Gwinnett County offers safety tips for keeping pets calm and safe during Independence Day celebrations with fireworks

Fireworks light up Independence Day, but they can be extremely stressful and even dangerous for pets. Loud noises can easily startle animals, sometimes causing them to run away. To prepare for the upcoming celebrations, use these pet-safety tips to help keep them calm and know what to do if they go missing.

• Keep pets indoors during peak showtimes to keep them safe and secure.
• Leave music or the TV on to help mask the sound of fireworks and reduce your pet’s anxiety.
• Ensure your pets are microchipped and wearing ID or rabies tags on their collars to increase chances of a safe return if they escape.
• If you aren’t home, keep your pet in an interior room to minimize stress and prevent them from accidentally escaping or injuring themselves.
• Consult your veterinarian for advice or possible recommendations to help keep your pet calm.
• If your pets must be outside alone, double-check that your fences and gates are secure.
• When outdoors with your pet, always keep them properly leashed to prevent them from running away if startled.
• Livestock can also become frightened by fireworks. Write your name and phone number on their halters, leads, or directly on them with an animal-safe marker to help ensure a safe return if they get loose.

If your pet runs away during the holiday celebrations, bring the following items when you visit the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center to reclaim your lost pet:

• Valid identification
• Full body photo of your pet
• Name tag on dog
• Lease agreement
• One of the following:
  • Veterinarian records
  • Adoption paperwork
  • Registered microchip information
  • Rabies vaccine and tag registered

For more information, visit GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com.