By Shannon Lukens.
Fireworks can be stressful to pets. The Routt County Humane Society says aren’t used to the commotion. Keep them inside where they are safe and comfortable. Put them in a place where they can’t damage anything if they’re scared. If your pet panics and escapes, make sure they can be identified with a tag or microchip. And finally, speak with your veterinarian about your pet’s anxiety because maybe they can help.
Steamboat Springs Police will be enforcing the use of illegal fireworks in the city.
Press Release from Routt County Humane Society; June 27, 2023.
Fireworks prove hazardous for pets: Routt County Humane Society urges pet owners to make a safety plan.
Steamboat Springs, CO. June 26, 2023 – Residents of many cities are reporting repeated fireworks being set off, prompting Routt County Humane Society to urge the community to consider the impact of fireworks on animals. Fireworks and other commotion can be stressful to pets and can result in them getting lost. Routt County Humane Society joins the Humane Society of the United States in recommending the following steps to keep pets safe:
- Leave pets at home and inside. Fireworks can be terrifying to pets, even pets who are accustomed to being around people and commotion.
- Create a home sanctuary. Secure your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable, and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An interior room without immediate access to the outside is preferred. Playing a radio with relaxing music may help mask the sound of fireworks.
- Pet-proof your home. When scared, some animals may become destructive so be sure to remove anything from their reach that can become damaged or may harm the pet if chewed or eaten.
- Identification is essential. Pets may panic, escape, and become lost. Updated identification is critical to ensuring lost pets are reunited with their families. Ideal identification is both a tag and microchip (make sure your chip is registered).
- Consult a veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Consult your veterinarian to seek out remedies to lower you pet’s stress level if this is a known issue.
Elaine Hicks, Executive Director of the Routt County Humane Society said that “more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Your four-legged companion does not enjoy venues that have a lot of people, loud music, commotion, and fireworks. They will be much happier at home in a comfortable and secure environment.” To help your pet find its way home in case it does get lost, RCHS will be offering $15 microchips until July 3, 2023. Please call the shelter at 970-879-7247 or the Wellness Clinic at 970-457-8002 for more information.
Residents are encouraged to consider celebrating the holiday without fireworks, which can frighten wildlife as well as pets, or with quiet fireworks. However, regardless of how your family and friends celebrate, it is important to take steps to ensure the safety of your pet on a notoriously loud night.