By Auggie Brown
Glasgow News 1
Barren County’s animal shelter is urging pet owners to prepare their animals for the noise and flashes of Fourth of July fireworks. Robin Crane, vice president of the Barren River Animal Welfare Association, said fear is the biggest risk fireworks pose to pets, with loud explosions and bright lights often startling animals. Crane said frightened dogs will frequently run away or look for places to hide, and owners who are busy celebrating may not notice their pets slipping out of sight.
According to Crane, the shelter often receives animals that were found around the holiday and listed as strays, including those brought in by animal control. She said many of those animals appear to be runaway pets that bolted during fireworks or other loud celebrations. Crane said BRAWA staff immediately check every incoming animal for a microchip and write down the information so they can contact the owner as quickly as possible. If a dog or cat is not chipped but has a rabies tag, she said staff will contact the veterinary clinic that issued the tag to help identify the owner.
Crane noted that many animals arrive with no collars, tags or phone numbers, making it harder to track down where they belong. In those cases, the shelter places the pet on a five-day stray hold, during which staff continue efforts to locate the owner. Crane said BRAWA also photographs found animals and posts them on its Facebook lost and found page so owners have another way to recognize and claim their pets.
To prevent animals from ending up at the shelter during the holiday, Crane recommends that owners keep noise-sensitive pets in a secure environment away from the fireworks. She suggested using a quiet room, closing blinds and adding white noise such as a fan or radio to help calm anxious dogs, which may show stress by pacing, drooling or panting.
If pets must be outside, Crane advised keeping them in a fenced area and being mindful of the recent heat. She said pets should always have fresh water, plenty of shade and, if possible, access to cooling options like a wet bed or a small children’s pool filled with water.
Crane added that cats are more likely to hide close to home during fireworks, so keeping them indoors in a quiet room can also help keep them safe. She encouraged owners to consider microchipping their animals to make reunions easier if a pet does become lost. According to Crane, BRAWA offers microchipping at the shelter for $25, and staff are able to provide the service any day for anyone who brings in a pet.
Key Facts
• BRAWA says fireworks and bright flashes can frighten pets and cause runaways
• Shelter often receives more stray dogs around the Fourth of July holiday
• Staff check incoming animals for microchips and post photos on a lost and found page
• Unidentified pets are kept on a five-day stray hold while owners are contacted
• Shelter urges secure containment, shade, water and cooling options in summer heat
• BRAWA offers microchipping for pets for $25 during regular shelter hours
