San Diego Humane Society is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of pets during and after the upcoming July Fourth holiday by hosting a special event called the 'Prepare Fair.' The fair aims to assist pet owners in preventing their beloved animals from ending up in shelters. On Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the community is invited to the San Diego Campus of the organization to avail themselves of free services such as microchipping, licensing, pet ID tags, and consultations with the Behavior & Training team. Attendees can also look forward to fun pet supply giveaways.
Event Details:
What: San Diego Humane Society's Prepare Fair, offering pet owners the opportunity to take proactive steps in safeguarding their pets during the July Fourth holiday celebrations.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: San Diego Humane Society's San Diego Campus, located at 5500 Gaines St. San Diego, CA, 92110.
Who: Staff and volunteers from the San Diego Humane Society will be present to provide free services including microchipping, licensing (for residents in SDHS jurisdiction), pet ID tags, and behavior consultations.
The significance of this event stems from the fact that fireworks during the July Fourth holiday often cause distress among pets, leading to an alarming surge in the number of stray animals entering shelter care. The San Diego Humane Society urges pet owners to take preemptive steps to protect their furry companions from becoming lost, as shelters are already operating at full capacity. The organization has been facing high intake rates throughout the year, and with the summer months approaching, including the July Fourth holiday, their available space is even more limited compared to previous years.
To further assist pet owners in safeguarding their beloved animals, San Diego Humane Society recommends the following measures:
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License Your Dog: Licensing your dog is not only required by law but also serves as an additional form of identification to help your pet find its way home if it goes missing. If you reside within San Diego Humane Society's jurisdiction, licensing your dog in person at one of the organization's campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, or San Diego between Tuesday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. grants you a free HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service as part of your DocuPet license. Take advantage of the free promotion running from June 13 to July 2.
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Microchipping: Ensure your pet is microchipped, and verify that the information linked to the chip is up to date. Microchipping provides permanent identification for pets, facilitating their quick identification and reunion with their owners. San Diego Humane Society is conducting free microchipping clinics at its campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and San Diego between Tuesday and Sunday from June 13 to July 2, 2023. Make an appointment by visiting sdhumane.org/microchip.
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Collars with Tags: Make sure your pets wear collars with contact information tags. In the absence of tags, writing your phone number directly on your pet's collar with a sharpie can be helpful. Having your phone number easily accessible on their collar allows individuals who find your pet to contact you directly, potentially avoiding a trip to the shelter.
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Schedule a Veterinarian Appointment: If fireworks scare your pets, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian in advance to discuss appropriate medication to reduce stress levels before the fireworks begin.
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Arrange for a Pet Sitter: If you won't be home during the July Fourth celebrations, make early arrangements to secure a reliable pet sitter. Having someone present can provide companionship for your pet and help them remain calm, thereby minimizing the risk of them becoming lost.
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Create a Home Sanctuary: Prepare a safe space within your home where your pet can seek shelter during the festivities. Ensure your pet is comfortable and protected from external noise and lights. Secure your home's doors, windows, and yard, and avoid leaving your pet outside unattended.
Furthermore, it is crucial to keep your dog leashed on outings at all times, especially in the days leading up to and including July 4.
Statistics reveal that one out of every three pets will become lost during their lifetime, with only one in ten being found. The July Fourth holiday poses particular risks to pets due to the loud noises associated with fireworks and celebrations. Pets often escape out of fear and confusion, resulting in a significant increase in the number of stray animals entering shelters after the holiday.
Data from 2022 indicates that the San Diego Humane Society took in 275 stray dogs, cats, and other small animals lost between July 4 and July 7. Unfortunately, only 16% of these pets were reunited with their owners, with dogs accounting for 34%, cats for 14%, and other pets showing a 0% reclamation rate.
Please note that all San Diego Humane Society shelters will be closed on Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4. If you come across a stray pet during the holiday, check for identification on their collar and make an effort to connect with the owner. Additionally, post photos and a description of the pet on social media platforms. Find more resources at sdhumane.org/found.
If your pet happens to go missing, you can access the San Diego Humane Society's Lost2Found program by texting "LOST" to 858-SAN-LOST (858-726-5678). Through this program, you will receive automated text messages featuring valuable tips and resources to aid you in your search. For further information, please visit sdhumane.org/lost.
The San Diego Humane Society's Prepare Fair stands as a crucial initiative to protect pets and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership during the July Fourth holiday. By participating in this event and following the recommended safety measures, pet owners can ensure the well-being and security of their cherished companions.
