County of Orange
Health Care Agency

Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN
Director

Mike Spurgeon
Deputy Agency Director
Regulatory Health Services

Dr. Julie Ann Ryan Johnson, DVM
Director
Animal Care Services

Mailing Address:
561 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868

E-Mail: publicinfo@ochca.com

For Immediate Release
MONDAY June 18, 2001

Contact: Howard Sutter
(714) 834-2178

 Protect Your Pets On The 4^th Of July

(Santa Ana) - Orange County Animal Care Services would like to remind pet owners of the need to pay extra attention to the safety and comfort of their pets before, during and after any 4^th of July celebrations. As the holiday rapidly approaches, there are a few precautions a pet owner can take to ensure that the celebration will be a happy one for both the pet and owner.

• If possible, keep your pets inside. An animal's hearing is far more sensitive than a human's hearing. Keeping your pets indoors helps them to feel protected. The sound of a radio or TV can help mute the clamor of fireworks.

• ID tags and licenses are your pets ticket home. Nothing frightens animals more than sudden loud noises and sharp explosions of fireworks. Animals have been known to jump fences, break through windows, or break their leash in a panic to "escape" the terror. It only takes a moment to check to make sure that the information on your pet's collar is up to date and legible. If your pet’s tags have fallen off, REPLACE THEM IMMEDIATELY. A new license can be obtained at the Orange County Animal Care Center 561 The City Drive South, Orange or by calling (714) 935-6300. An animal ID tag can be purchased at most veterinarian offices, pet supply stores, or certain discount stores. Microchips, a permanent identification, are also available at your veterinarian’s office.

• Leave your pet at a boarding facility. If you will be out of town for the holiday, do not leave your pet unattended. It is well worth the expense and peace of mind to ensure that your pet will be safely waiting for you when you return.

• Consult a veterinarian. There are tranquilizers available, as well as homeopathic remedies to help relieve some of the anxiety associated with the noise and increased activity.

In the event your pet does manage to escape, check your animal care center and the shelters in the surrounding areas. Post signs in your neighborhood with a photo of your pet. Remember your pet was frightened and may have fled beyond its normal, familiar territory. Place ads in local newspapers, most will advertise at no charge. Contact Animal Assistance League at (714) 978-PETS.

July 5^th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters nationwide. Please don’t let your pet become a statistic.

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