Prioritize Pet Awareness During Independence Day Celebrations

Published on June 27, 2025

By Animal Services

The 4th of July is historically when more pets go missing than at any other time. Is your pet afraid of loud noises and large social gatherings? Festivities and booming fireworks can create fearfulness in even the most confident of pets making it especially important for pet owners to take special precautions to keep their furry friends safe.

Arlington Animal Services asks pet owners to take extra precautions to keep furry friends safe and calm during Independence Day festivities. The 5th of July is typically one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters, due to animals running away from home, fearful of the flash and/or sound of booming fireworks.

The ASCPA offers Fourth of July Safety Tips to help keep your furry friend calm and safe during summer festivities.

As a responsible pet owner, take precautions in advance to help keep your pets safe during the holiday.

• License and register your Arlington dog or cat each year.
• Make sure your pet has current identification tags.
• Microchip your pets and keep registry contact information up to date.
• Bring pets inside. If you are unable to do so, make sure the environment is safe and secure. Check your yard to ensure fences and gates are sturdy without any loose or missing pickets, gaps or holes so that if your pet becomes frightened it will not be able to run away.
• Watch for signs of anxiety in your pet, such as
  - Pacing
  - Trembling
  - Panting
  - Drooling
  - Attention-seeking (vocalization, pawing, nuzzling, climbing)
  - Hiding
  - Bolting
• If possible, play soothing music for your pet.
• Take a current photo of your pet.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also provides important information to help keep pets safe during the holiday.

If Your Pet Becomes Missing

• Report your pet lost through PawBoost, a free online reporting system.
• Check the Animal Services website for Lost Pets in Shelter and view Found Pets through PawBoost here.
• Report your pet through the Petco Love Lost website.
• Check the Animal Services Center in person at 1000 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76018.

The use of fireworks is illegal in the City of Arlington. Anyone caught using fireworks illegally in the city may face a fine of up to $2,000.