• This year’s celebration will be big, loud, bright, and scary for many animals. Plan ahead to help keep your critters safe! Pay attention to the schedule for public firework displays in your area as many communities plan to celebrate for a week or more.

To help your pets, equines and backyard livestock stay safe, we are sharing important reminders and precautions from the pet behavior specialists at Joybound Pets & People, and safety tips for large animals from HALTER Project.

• Fourth of July weekend is the number one weekend every year for lost animals! Make sure all your animal's identification tags are visible and have up-to-date information so they can be promptly returned to you if they become lost, and make sure that their microchip is registered.
• If your pet(s) or equine(s) get lost, it's helpful to have 
  up-to-date photos of your animals to share on social media, posters, and with animal services.
• It may help to take an extra-long walk in the morning to tire animals out before festivities.
• Talk with your veterinarian ahead of time if your animal is prone to anxiety.
• Try not to leave animals unattended during fireworks displays.
• If you are leaving town, be sure to alert your pet-sitter of your animal's possible anxiety and give them directions accordingly. 
• Don’t leave pets loose in the yard or house with windows or doors open, even with fitted screens. 
• If possible, confine animals in a cool, quiet well-ventilated place where they won’t feel trapped. Playing soft music or TV may help sooth nervous pets. Download our handy door sign at the bottom of this newsletter to help prevent unwanted escapes.

• Don’t lose track of animals’ activities while you’re celebrating. If at a party, keep pets away from food scraps and alcohol. Be sure to supervise them around swimming pools and lakes.   
• Keep curious pets away from charcoal, grilled food, fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks. 
• Do not decorate pets with glow sticks as they might mistake them for chew toys.   
• Just like the rest of the summer, be sure to keep your animals cool and hydrated during July's weather! 

Firework Safety for Equines and Backyard Livestock

• Remember that equines may be temporarily blinded by big firework displays. 
• Check fencing—spooked equines and livestock are often injured when they run into wire, sharp posts, and other hazards. 
• Mark non-electric fences at intervals with empty plastic bottles or safety tape, attached securely. 
• Some equines benefit from appropriate “earplugs”, while others cannot tolerate them. 
• Reduce risks from illegal fireworks and stray BBQ sparks! Clear “ladder fuels” and flammable hazards around barns, sheds, pastures and home. 
• Consider spending the evening with your animals and celebrate the joys of critter companionship while watching the fireworks on your TV or phone.

Celebrate SAFELY with your Animals

Consider spending the evening with your animals and celebrate the joys of critter companionship while watching the fireworks on your TV or phone. Help make this the best 4th ever, for your animals and you.

If you are in an area under a Heat Advisory, Wind, Fire Weather Warning or Red Flag, be extra vigilant and ready to go quickly. Run through your “Early Evac” plan —just in case.

Wishing everyone safety, security and happiness, your HALTER Project team!