As community members begin planning July 4th celebrations, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter would like to remind residents to keep the comfort and safety of pets in mind. Festivities - including fireworks and other commotion - can be extremely stressful to pets, which can lead to pets escaping and becoming lost. There is usually an increase of stray pets coming in to the Shelter following the July 4th holiday. Here are some tips to help pets stay safe and comfortable during the July 4th holiday:

• Leave pets home and inside during festivities. Fireworks can be terrifying, even to pets who normally do well around crowds and noises.
• Provide a safe space. A blanket-covered crate or a room with a comfy bed in a hidden spot can provide your pet(s) with a sense of security. A pet-proof interior room without access to the outside is best.
• Keep them busy! Provide enrichment activities to distract them, such as long-lasting treats or a frozen peanut butter-filled Kong.
• Play music. Soothing music can both calm pets and help drown out the noise of fireworks and parties.
• Collars and microchips! Make sure that your pets are wearing collars with ID tags and are microchipped, and make sure the information is updated and accurate, just in case your pets do escape and get lost.
• Stay home with them, if possible. You're the best security blanket!

"It's vital that pet owners plan ahead to help their pets feel as safe and calm as possible on July 4th and through the weekend, when festivities may continue. The Shelter is prepared for a large number of stray pets, but we hope that by sharing this information, all pets will stay safely in their homes," says Dr. Karen Diviney, Shelter Director. "In the event that a lost pet is brought to the Shelter, they will be safe with us, and we will have a staff person at the Shelter for limited hours on July 5th so pet owners can reclaim their pets."

The Shelter will be closed July 4 and 5 for the holiday. Normal hours resume on Saturday, July 6. For more information about the Shelter, including open hours and more, please visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter. For information on what to do if your pet becomes lost, please visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/lostandfoundpets.