Dogs and cats can become startled and disoriented by the sound of fireworks, activating their flight instinct.  Frightened pets often find their way out of yards and into the streets where they become disoriented.

Every year, The Department of Animal Care and Control sees a large increase in the number of pets that come into shelters and sadly, a large increase in animals that are hit by cars and never make it back home.

DACC would like to remind pet owners that extra precautions are necessary in order to protect pets during Fourth of July celebrations. To ensure the safety of your pets, here are a few tips:

Make sure your pet is microchipped, license is current, and be sure tags are securely affixed to your pet’s collar.

Keep your pets indoors in a cool, comfortable place with some form of “white noise” distraction such as a radio or television.

Do not take your pets to community fireworks events.  Most events do not allow pets.  The noise and other activities at these events can easily surprise and frighten your pet.

Do not keep your pets in the backyard or tied up. Dogs, in particular, may panic and injure themselves on a rope or chain.

If you are leaving town for the weekend and cannot take your pets with you, make sure you leave them with someone who will be cautious and responsible during the Fourth of July celebrations.

Additionally, as the summer weather heats up, pet owners should be aware of the danger of leaving pets in vehicles.  Just running inside for a quick errand can be deadly to a pet. An outside temperature of 85 degrees can cause a temperature of 104 degrees inside a vehicle within 10 minutes.

If your pet becomes lost or if you wish to turn in a found animal, DACC’s animal care centers will be open for that particular service on Monday, July 4, 2016.  If you witness animal cruelty or an animal in distress, please call (562) 940-6898 or call 911.

You can take your pet to Castaic Animal Shelter, on 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd., Castaic 91384. 

But here are the other animal shelters in L.A. county you can take your pets to: 

Agoura Animal Care Center- 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, 91301

Baldwin Park Animal Care Center – 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park, 91706

Carson Animal Care Center – 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena, 90248

Downey Animal Care Center – 11258 S. Garfield Ave., Downey 90242

Lancaster Animal Care Center – 5210 W. Avenue I, Lancaster 93536

For more information, you can visit our website, animalcare.lacounty.gov, find us on Facebook facebook.com/CountyofLosAngelesAnimalCare, or follow us on Twitter @LACoAnimalCare.