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ANIMAL WATCH – As fireworks light up the night skies this 4th of July, the celebration can bring unexpected dangers for our four-legged companions. While the sights and sounds of Independence Day may be thrilling for us, they are often frightening—and even life-threatening—for pets. Loud booms, bright flashes, and large crowds can startle animals, prompting them to flee and, in many cases, end up lost or injured. LA Animal Services urges Angelenos to take thoughtful precautions to protect pets before, during, and after the festivities.
Keeping Pets Safe and Calm at Home
The most important step pet guardians can take is to keep animals safely indoors in a calm, enclosed environment. A quiet room with closed windows and drawn blinds can help muffle the noise. Adding soft music or white noise and keeping pets away from party guests can also help ease their stress. If your dog needs to go outside, make sure all fences and gates are secured—or better yet, use a leash.
Fireworks pose both emotional and physical risks. Even pets that seem unbothered may still be affected by the smoke, noise, or chemical residue. It’s essential to keep them far from fireworks displays. Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, and residents are encouraged to report any fireworks activity to the LAPD non-emergency line at 877-275-5273 or submit a report online.
Avoid Dangerous Foods
Holiday cookouts are part of the fun, but feeding pets from the table can be dangerous. Many festive foods—including chocolate, grapes, onions, coffee, avocado, raisins, salt, and yeast dough—are toxic to pets and can cause serious health issues. Stick to pet-safe treats and keep all human food well out of reach.
Identification Saves Lives
With the increase in runaway pets around July 4th, making sure your pet can be identified is crucial. All dogs and cats should wear a collar with an ID tag, and microchipping is highly recommended. LA City residents can get their pets microchipped for free at any of the six city shelters; for non-residents, the cost is just $15. Be sure the contact information linked to the microchip is up to date. Learn more or schedule a service at laanimalservices.com/licensing.
Horse Safety During Fireworks
Horses are especially vulnerable to noise and sudden flashes, as they are often kept outdoors and may panic when startled. If possible, bring your horse inside a barn or stable for the evening. Make sure fences and gates are secure, provide plenty of hay to keep them occupied, and consider playing music to muffle surrounding noise. Ear covers may also help. After fireworks, inspect the area for debris that could injure grazing animals.
What to Do If Your Pet Gets Lost
If your pet goes missing, act quickly. Search your neighborhood, alert your neighbors, and post on pet recovery platforms such as Petco Love Lost, Nextdoor.com, PawBoost, and LA City Lost and Found Pets. These resources use photo-matching and wide community networks to reunite pets with their families.
If you find a stray animal and can provide temporary care, LA Animal Services encourages participation in its Shelter-at-Home program. This approach helps keep pets out of crowded shelters and increases the chances of reunion. However, if you're unable to care for a lost pet, call 888-452-7381 to make an appointment at the nearest Animal Services Center. Sick or injured animals should be brought in immediately—never left outdoors in unsafe conditions.
Consider Fostering or Adopting
Every year, LA Animal Services Centers fill up beyond capacity following the 4th of July. By fostering or adopting a pet during this time, you’re not only giving a dog or cat a loving home, but also creating space for others in need. Visit laanimalservices.com to learn more about adoption and foster opportunities.
Holiday Hours
LA Animal Services Centers will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of the holiday.
Regular hours:
· Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
· Saturday–Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay informed and safe by following LA Animal Services on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for more daily updates and reminders.
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