June 21, 2016 - Dogs and cats can easily become overwhelmed by the sudden explosions of fireworks causing panic and fear. Animal Care & Control wants pet owners to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday while keeping their pets safe and secure. Pets that have never attempted to run off before may bolt through a screen door, jump a fence or dig under a gate to get away from loud sounds. 

Every year, the loud booms of fireworks contribute to the increased number of runaway pets that are found and given to Animal Care & Control. To keep pets safe, we offer the following tips:

-Keep dogs inside your home or in a well-ventilated space when fireworks are being used in your area.
-Cats should be kept inside at all times.
-Secure gates and supervise your animals while outside.
-Be sure to keep a current identification tag on your pet’s collar. Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control now microchips pets for $15 with proof of rabies and a current I.D.
-City Ordinance prohibits pets from being taken to any parade, festival or celebration. Loud noises increase the chance of your pet fleeing and becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.

Leaving an animal in a parked car when conditions pose a health hazard will result in law enforcement action. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can reach temperatures of 120 degrees or more in a matter of minutes. Partially opened windows won’t provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen, experience a seizure or suffer death in a short timeframe.

If your pet disappears, our business office will be CLOSED on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and will re-open Tuesday, July 5 from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for people to search for a lost pet. Anyone finding a lost animal is asked to file a found report with the shelter. The animal can be kept in the finder’s home or relinquished to Animal Care & Control located at 3020 Hillegas Rd. Call 427-1244 option 1 for information and to immediately report a found pet. During closed business hours and throughout the holiday weekend, officer assistance can be reached by calling 449-3000.