ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — With Fourth of July celebrations approaching, Albuquerque Animal Welfare is reminding pet owners to prepare for fireworks-related stress that can affect both dogs and cats.
Officials say loud noises and unexpected fireworks can cause pets to become frightened, hide, freeze, or attempt to run away. The holiday weekend is often one of the busiest times of the year for lost pets arriving at local shelters.
To help keep animals safe, Animal Welfare recommends:
- Keeping pets indoors during fireworks displays
- Creating a quiet, secure space where pets can retreat, such as a closed room or covered kennel
- Using familiar toys, treats, or calming music to help reduce anxiety
- Taking dogs for a long walk or exercise session before fireworks begin
- Keeping pets on a leash if they must be outside during celebrations
Animal Welfare officials also encourage owners to make sure their pets have current identification tags and microchips. They say updated contact information can significantly improve the chances of a pet being reunited with its family if it becomes lost.
For cat owners, officials note that frightened cats often stay close to home and may hide under bushes, decks, or other sheltered areas. If a cat goes missing, they recommend checking nearby hiding spots and placing familiar items such as a bed or litter box outside.
Officials say pet owners should continue checking with local shelters if an animal goes missing, as many lost pets are successfully reunited with their families after being recovered.
