The City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department is urging pet owners to take measures to protect their pets during the Fourth of July celebrations. While the holiday is a time for festive gatherings, it can be a distressing period for animals due to the loud fireworks, which often cause them to act unpredictably. Pets may run away, jump over fences, or even leap through windows out of fear.
The department recommends several precautions:
1. **Keep Pets Indoors**: The noise from fireworks can induce anxiety and fear in pets, leading them to try and escape.
2. **Create a Safe Space**: Keep pets in a well-lit, cool room with familiar sounds and chew toys to help them feel secure.
3. **Ensure Identification**: Use identification tags and microchips to facilitate quick reunions if pets escape. Free microchipping and custom pet tags are available to Albuquerque residents until Wednesday, July 3 at the Eastside and Westside shelters.
For pets that experience severe stress, consulting a veterinarian for calming solutions is advised.
If a pet gets lost and ends up at one of the shelters, Animal Welfare aims to return them swiftly. Spayed or neutered pets will be returned free of charge upon pick-up from the shelter.
For more information on shelter locations, visit the Animal Welfare website.
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