For many families, the Fourth of July is a time for cookouts, celebrations, and fireworks. But for pets, the holiday can be frightening, stressful, and even dangerous.

The loud booms, flashing lights, unfamiliar guests, and open doors can cause even calm pets to panic. Every year, many dogs and cats go missing around the Fourth of July after being startled by fireworks. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way in keeping pets safe, comfortable, and close to home.

Before the holiday arrives, take a few simple steps to help protect the pets you love.

Before the Fireworks Begin

Pet safety starts before the first firework goes off. Even if your pet is normally relaxed, fireworks can trigger fear and unpredictable behavior.

Before the holiday, take time to:

  • Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with current ID tags.
  • Confirm that your pet’s microchip registration is up to date.
  • Update your contact information if you have moved or changed phone numbers.
  • Exercise dogs earlier in the day to help reduce anxious energy.
  • Bring pets indoors before dusk, even if they are usually comfortable outside.
  • Create a quiet, secure space with familiar bedding, toys, and fresh water.
  • Close curtains or blinds if flashing lights are visible from inside.

A microchip is only helpful if the information connected to it is accurate. If your pet was adopted years ago, or if your contact information has changed, now is a good time to double-check.

During Fireworks

Once fireworks begin, the goal is to keep pets safely indoors and as calm as possible.

During fireworks, remember to:

  • Keep doors, gates, and windows securely closed.
  • Remind guests to be careful when entering or leaving the home.
  • Turn on a television, radio, fan, or white noise machine to help mask outside sounds.
  • Stay calm and act normally, since pets often take emotional cues from their owners.
  • Never take pets to fireworks displays.
  • Keep nervous pets in a quiet, familiar room away from outside noise and activity.

If your pet has severe fear or anxiety around fireworks, talk with your veterinarian before the holiday. They may recommend anxiety-reducing products, calming strategies, or medication when appropriate.

If Your Pet Goes Missing

If your pet does get out, begin searching right away. Frightened pets may hide nearby, so check under porches, behind sheds, in wooded areas, and around neighboring homes.

Take these steps as soon as possible:

  • Walk or drive the surrounding area and call your pet’s name calmly.
  • Contact local shelters, animal control agencies, veterinary offices, and rescue groups.
  • Share a clear, recent photo of your pet.
  • Include your pet’s name, breed, size, color, markings, and last known location. 
  • Post on social media, neighborhood groups, and lost-pet websites.
  • Contact your pet’s microchip company to report your pet missing.
  • Make sure the microchip company has your current phone number and email address.

The more people who know to look, the better the chances of a safe reunion.

A Quick Scan Can Make All the Difference

We’ve teamed up with local municipalities to place Microchip Scanning Stations throughout New Hanover County. These self-serve stations make it easier for someone who finds a lost pet to check for a microchip when other options may not be available.

Before the Fourth of July, visit one of our Microchip Scanning Stations to make sure your pet’s microchip is working and connected to your current contact information. The stations are easy to use, self-serve, available 24/7, and include step-by-step directions for what to do if a chip is found.

A quick scan before the holiday can provide extra peace of mind.

Help Pets Stay Safe This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July can be fun for people, but it can be overwhelming for pets. Taking a few precautions now can help prevent fear, escape, and heartbreak later.

Check the collar. Update the tags. Verify the microchip. Create a safe indoor space. And before the holiday, stop by a Heidi’s Hope Microchip Scanning Station for a quick scan.

A few minutes of preparation could make all the difference if your pet ever becomes lost.