As Fourth Looms, Make Sure Pet is Wearing ID Tag

Is your four-legged best friend wearing its ID tag?

Some estimates say 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime, with search results and shelter intake higher around the Fourth of July holiday than any other time of the year, and many of these pets may never make it back home. That’s why Riverside County Department of Animal Services is reminding pet owners to make sure their fur-ever friends are wearing an ID tag.

John Welsh, Animal Services Chief/Media Relations & Social Media Strategist, said he is a “big nag” to all pet owners to make sure their four-legged family members are actually microchipped, especially as we head into Independence Day weekend.

“We know that the Fourth-of-July holiday weekend is one of the worst for our poor pets,” Welsh said. “The loud booms frighten animals and many will bolt when the explosions occur. What better time than now to get your pet chipped?”

Also, make sure your pet is wearing its ID tag and the information on the tag is current. Need a new tag? We can help! The Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms recently received a donation from the nonprofit organization SOAR (Society’s Outkasts Animal Rescue). SOAR donated approximately 150 tags and, while supplies last, Animal Services can provide a free tag with your pet’s information and your contact number.

A reminder to all our residents in unincorporated county areas that fireworks are illegal; they are also illegal in many cities throughout the county; various county departments – including Animal Services – have joined forces for a campaign warning residents about the dangers of fireworks and law breakers will get cited if caught lighting illegal fireworks.

Petco Love shares five ways to keep pets safe this 4th of July:

• Protect your pet before and after the holiday: When panicked by fireworks and other loud noises, dogs run, and cats hide. Early fireworks celebrations and leftover fireworks catch many pet parents off guard, so be prepared to protect your pet a week before and after the holiday.
• Keep your pet secure: Think about your pet’s behavior as you decide to attend holiday celebrations or leave them safe at home. To keep your pet safe indoors, crate them or place them somewhere comfortable and turn on a TV or stereo to drown out loud noises. If you’re outdoors, properly leash your dog. Loop the leash around your shoulder so that your dog is still attached to you if you trip or fall.
• Check your yard and home: Ensure your yard and home are secure and your pet cannot escape when panicked. If you’ve recently brought a new pet home and have not yet experienced fireworks together, be cautious that they may react negatively. Make sure your yard’s fence is sturdy with no loose boards, nothing your dog could climb and jump over, or dig and crawl under, and that window screens and exterior doors to your home are securely in place.
• Keep your pet’s ID tag and microchip up to date: Microchip your pet and ensure your contact information is registered and up to date. Make sure your pet has a properly fitted collar with a current ID tag. This goes for cats too! If your cat does not wear a collar and tag, try a temporary paper tag.
• Register your pet on Petco Love Lost: Upload your pet’s photo to Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database. If they go missing, one click will allow you to search thousands of found pets from animal shelters and individuals quickly using patented pet facial recognition technology.

Lead photo caption: Free pet tags-donated by nonprofit SOAR