While we humans understand and enjoy fireworks, other species generally do not. Most animals have incredibly sensitive hearing, and the sudden deafening bangs and booms are nerve wracking especially when the source of the noise is not understood. The impulse is to run, but the threat isn’t identified, which can cause unrelenting panic and fear.

Did you know that more animals become separated from their human families on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year? Did you know that most never make it home and they end up dying alone and heartbroken in unfamiliar shelters instead?

While there isn’t a lot you can do for wild animals, or for animals who don’t live with you, there are things you can do to lessen the impact of 4th of July on your animal companions. It starts with the awareness that animals aren’t privy to everything we do as a species and a lot of it is confusing. When you add loud, it can become dangerous, because normally calm and well behaved animals can become spooked and irrational.

The best thing you can do is to be prepared. Depending on where you live, fireworks may be legal for purchase and detonation by private citizens, and people can start setting them off days in advance, or the city you live in may plan its celebration on an earlier day. Be aware of when fireworks tend to start being heard in your area, and make plans for your animal companions in advance.

Primarily, you will want to secure your home and warn other people in the home to be especially vigilant. While your animals should always come inside to sleep with you, it is especially critical they are not left outside the days leading up to or during the 4th of July. Secure and lock your interior gates and doors and windows as well as your outside gates, just in case. Make sure every animal in your household is wearing current identification and is micro chipped.

Then, plan to be home with them or to have a trusted and reliable friend or family member stay in the house to offer comfort and reassurance. Find the most soundproof area of your home and set up a cozy, secure area for everyone to hang out together. Playing music or some the sounds everyone is used to hearing may help as well.

Please, be safe, careful, considerate of other species, and have fun!