The 4th of July week is a busy time for fireworks retailers and firefighters. But the day after the holiday is the busiest day of the year for the Idaho Humane Society, when it comes to stray animals. Loud noises, smoke, and confusion can send pets running far from home.
The Idaho Humane Society plans ahead every year for the Fourth of July. Hannah Parpart is with Boise’s shelter. “Something that we always have to prepare for in the month of July to make sure that we have some extra room available and do some adoption specials at the end of June and things to make sure we have some room to handle the influx of strays.”
That room is quickly taken up on the 5th of July with stray dogs and cats, who have run as far and as fast as they can from fireworks. Lost pets crowd the cages and the shelter’s Medical Center cares for dozens of animals injured as they try to escape fireworks or smoke.
Parpart says if your animal turns up missing, don’t wait, get out to the Boise shelter today, and check with the shelters in Meridian, Garden City, Canyon County, and Star. “So whatever your local shelter is, you need to make sure you visit immediately," she says. "Walk through, see if your pets there, file a lost report while you’re there, bring a photo with you if you have one and let us know if you’re missing a pet right away.”
The Idaho Humane Society holds onto a dog for six days after it comes in. Cats with identification can only be held for three days.
To help out owners, the shelter is waving impound fees for lost pets today only.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
