Animal control officials say home is the safest place for pets on the Fourth of July.
Becky Spencer, Director of Peoria County Animal Protective Services, says fireworks can spook pets, causing them to run from home. That is why she says it is never a good idea to take your pets with you to fireworks displays.
“Even a pet that’s acclimated can be surprised or taken off-guard with a noise, a strange place or a strange person. On that night treat your pet a little bit differently than you normally would.”
Spencer says on the Fourth of July, it is best to keep your pets inside while fireworks are going off.
“The individual stories tell it all. I never thought my dog was afraid of fireworks. I never thought they’d run off. I never thought they’d get under that hole in the fence.
Spencer says in case pets do run, make sure they are wearing proper ID, and phone numbers are up-to-date so they are easier to find.
PCAPS does have an after-hours emergency number. Officers will be on-call on all day and night on the Fourth of July.
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