Humane Society of the Treasure Coast urges pet owners to protect animals ahead of Fourth of July fireworks
Palm City, Fla. — As Independence Day approaches, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is urging pet owners to prepare now for the stress and safety risks that fireworks can pose to animals. Loud noises and flashing lights can trigger fear-based behaviors that place pets in potentially dangerous situations.
Once the fireworks begin, owners should observe whether their animals begin to act out of the ordinary, such as excessively panting, trembling or shaking, whining, howling, barking, meowing, hiding, chewing furniture or looking for constant reassurance. These are just a few examples of how an anxious or scared pet might react.
One of the greatest concerns is that frightened pets may look to escape by jumping fences, digging under fences, bolting through open doors or breaking through screens. This points to the importance of getting one’s pet microchipped, which is a service that the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast offers.
The microchip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is implanted under a pet’s skin through a simple procedure that takes just a few seconds, doesn’t require anesthesia, and lasts for the pet’s lifetime. It is a permanent form of identification, and paired with a traditional collar and tag, it forms a strong safety net that gives families peace of mind every day.
Many pets have been reunited with their families because of the microchip, which provides clear confirmation of ownership. This can be crucial in situations involving not just animals that run away due to fireworks, but also with natural disasters, accidents or stolen pets.
Those interested in having their pet microchipped by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast should call 772-600-3203 to schedule an appointment. The cost is $40 for an unaltered dog and $20 for altered cats and dogs. Once a pet is microchipped, owners should make sure their contact information remains current. For more information, visit the website, https://hstc1.org/Public.
Additional steps pet owners can take to protect animals frightened by fireworks include bringing pets indoors before fireworks begin, closing windows and blinds, playing calming music or white noise to help mask the sound, and setting up a quiet retreat area inside the home.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
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Photo ID: Customer Service Specialist, Ashley Wiggins, scans a microchip on Lord Farquaad. (Provided by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast)
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