Tacoma animal shelter expects bump in lost pets over Fourth of July

Animal shelters expect to see an increase in lost pets over the Fourth of July holiday, as dogs and cats flee noisy fireworks or simply slip out of the house while holiday guests come in and out.

“The shelter saw a 14% increase in animal intake in the days surrounding the Fourth of July holiday last year,” Lauren Green of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County said, who expects to see a similar influx this year.

That’s why she said it’s important to make sure your pets have your contact information on their collars and that they are micro-chipped.

“So that should your pet get loose, we can help and get them back to you as quickly as possible,” Green said.

And she said you can help make space for those lost pets, who are waiting to be reunited with their families, by adopting or providing foster care for a dog or cat that’s at the shelter waiting for a permanent home.

Tacoma animal shelter sees influx of small-breed dogs

Green pointed out that the number of animals her shelter is caring for has increased recently. On June 25, Pierce County Animal Control brought in 32 small-breed dogs.

Green explained they are a no-kill shelter and one of the few that has an “open admission” policy.

“We do not turn away animals regardless of age, breed, medical condition, or behavior needs,” she said. “We’re currently caring for 151 dogs, nearly 500 cats, and 30 rabbits, both in our shelter and in foster homes.”

If you can’t adopt or foster an animal right now, Green said they welcome volunteers and donations.

“We need all the support we can get to ensure that we can continue our mission of being here for the animals in our community that need us the most and when they need us the most,” she said, including over the Fourth of July holiday.

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