HELENA – The Humane Society is reminding pet owners that this is an especially busy week at the shelter.
While fireworks are fun for humans, loud noises can be stressful for pets. During the first week of July, the shelter in Helena usually sees an uptick in stray animals.
But there are steps you can take to keep your pet safe this time of year. If your pet has a microchip, make sure that your current information is updated on the chip.
Even before the festivities begin, you can help ease your animal’s anxiety by providing a quiet, calm space for them to stay when there are loud noises.
If possible, staying near pets will also help keep them calm.
“It is really common that our stray area will fill up fairly quickly after the 4th of July. With a combination on the scary fireworks, and then people kind of being out, doing barbecues, and coming in and out of their gates,” Development Assistant Kat Martineau said. “Dogs just kind of slip out.”
Martineau also mentioned that this is a common occurrence, but many people assume it won’t happen to them. “You never think it’s going to be your pet,” she said, but it’s better to be prepared just in case.
-Katie Alexander reporting for MTN News
