Adoptions reopen Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and resume daily operations. All adoptable pets are located at 2911 47th Ave. N, St. Petersburg

Keeping pets safe during July 4 fireworks!

Monday, July 1, 2024

While many people may enjoy the excitement and thrill of watching a fireworks show, for pets it can be very scary and traumatic.

More pets are reported missing after July 4 than any other holiday. While you can’t necessarily make the bangs and pops go away, you can take some steps to help your pet through.

  1. Keep your pets away from fireworks.

Keep your pets safely indoors. Consider putting a TV or radio on to provide some background noise to soften the sound of fireworks. If you can’t keep your pet inside, make sure they are leashed and in your control at all times.

  1. Make sure your microchip is up to date.

All Friends of Strays pets are microchipped and registered to their adopter. If you change your phone number or address, however, you will need to go online and update your information. You’ll need the name of the microchip company and the microchip ID number, which was included in your adoption paperwork. Keep your pet’s collar on, even inside, with an up-to-date ID tag, too.

  1. Prepare activities to distract your pet.
Make some lick mats or fill a Kong toy with wet food or peanut butter and freeze them ahead of time as a fun, distracting treat for your pet. It may help take their mind off of the fireworks and give them a more positive association with loud noises.

 4. Ask your veterinarian about medication.

If your pet is extremely sensitive to sudden loud noises like fireworks or thunder, it may be best to speak to your vet about medicating your pet during the evenings you expect fireworks.


After July 4, if you find a lost pet in your neighborhood, here are a few steps to follow to help them get reunited with their owner. If your pet does get out during the fireworks, here are tips to find them.

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