Bissell Pet Foundation shares Fourth of July tips for pet owners

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Courtesy Ehren Wynder

As Independence Day celebrations approach, the Bissell Pet Foundation is sharing tips to minimize pets’ fear of fireworks and protect them from getting lost.

According to 24Pet ShelterWatch data, July is consistently the highest month for intakes in U.S. animal shelters, as more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.

Shelters across the country already are experiencing overcrowding and other obstacles such as longer length of stay for pets, seasonal high intake of puppies and kittens, lack of spay and neuter services during the pandemic, short staffing and slowed adoptions.

The Bissell Pet Foundation said it is committed to fighting shelter overcrowding, and it wants pet owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe during the upcoming holiday celebrations.

“Shelters are full right now, and space is limited. Please be proactive to keep your pet safe at home and ensure they are microchipped with updated information,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation. “A microchip is not a GPS, but it will increase your chances of reuniting with your pet if they are ever lost.”

To keep pets safe during the holiday weekend, the Bissell foundation encourages pet owners to:

  • Keep pets indoors in a quiet place where they will feel comfortable. Give pets their favorite toy and check on them often to ensure they are calm.
  • Be sure each pet has a microchip with up-to-date information.
  • Always keep ID tags on pets and ensure their collar and tags are secure.
  • Spend more time exercising pets than normal to tire them out and keep them calm.

Empty the Shelters event

The Bissell Pet Foundation is hosting its longest-ever summer National Empty the Shelters event from July 11-31. During that time, people can adopt a dog or cat for a reduced fee from one of hundreds of participating shelters throughout the country. A full list of participating shelters will be available soon online.

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