In preparation for the Fourth of July holiday, the San Diego Humane Society is hosting a Prepare Fair on Saturday, June 24 to help pet owners prevent their pets from ending up in shelters during and after the Fourth of July holiday. The fair offers free microchipping, licensing, pet ID tags, and consultations with the Behavior & Training Team. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SDHS’s San Diego Campus at 5500 Gaines Street in San Diego.
Due to pets spooked by fireworks, the July Fourth holiday typically leads to a sharp increase in the number of stray animals entering shelter care.
San Diego Humane Society is urging pet owners to take steps to protect their pets from becoming lost, as shelters are already full. The organization has been over capacity all year, meaning they are entering the busy summer months. And the July Fourth holiday with less space than previous years.
To reduce the risk of pets getting lost, the SDHS recommends these steps.
License Your Dog: Licenses are required by law, and they also serve as an extra form of identification to help your pet get home if they go missing. If you are within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, your dog’s DocuPet license comes with free HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service. To take advantage of the free promotion June 13-July 2, you must license your dog in person at one of the organization’s campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego between Tuesday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Microchipping: Make sure your pet is microchipped, and the information connected to the chip is up to date. Microchipping provides permanent identification for pets, facilitating their quick identification and reunion with their owners. San Diego Humane Society is offering free microchipping clinics at its campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego between Tuesday and Sunday, June 13-July 2, 2023. To make an appointment, visit sdhumane.org/microchip.
Collars with Tags: Make sure your pets wear a collar with contact information tags. If tags are unavailable, writing your phone number on your pet’s collar with a sharpie can be helpful. Having your phone number readily available on their collar allows people who find your pet to contact you directly, potentially avoiding a trip to the shelter.
Schedule time with a Veterinarian: If fireworks scare your pets, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss medication to reduce stress for pets before the fireworks begin.
Arrange for a Pet Sitter: If you won’t be home during July Fourth celebrations, make plans early to secure a pet sitter. Having someone present can provide companionship for your pet and help them stay calm, minimizing the risk of them becoming lost.
Create a Home Sanctuary: Prepare a safe space within your home where your pet can seek shelter during the festivities. Keep your pet comfortable and protected from external noise and lights. Make sure your home’s doors, window and yard are secure, and don’t leave your pet outside unattended.
Keep your dog leashed on outings at all times, especially in the days leading up to and on July 4.
All San Diego Humane Society shelters will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4.
If you find a stray pet over the holiday, look for identification on the collar and try to connect with the owner. Post photos and a description on social media. Find more resources at sdhumane.org/found.
