July 5th is the busiest day of the year at most animal shelters. Dogs are found miles from their homes, confused, disoriented, and exhausted. People call their local animal shelters hoping to locate a missing dog that is terrified and on the run. This, unfortunately, is all too common during the Independence Day celebration.

Please Consider these Helpful Tips to Comfort and Protect Pets from Fireworks Displays

1. Prepare a safe place in your house where your pets will be comfortable and safe. This might include an inner room in the house that is sheltered from the sights and sounds of fireworks displays.
2. Animals used to being in a crate or pet carrier might feel more secure here during fireworks events.
3. Pets kept outside when fireworks displays occur should be on a leash or in a carrier.
4. Be sure your pets wear identification. They should always have identification tags such as a dog license/personalized ID tag or microchip identification implanted. Pet collars can come off whereas microchips, which are embedded beneath the skin, can't.
5. Keep dogs and cats indoors well before, during, and after (for a while) fireworks displays.
6. Take your dog for a walk, on a leash, prior to fireworks displays so that he/she has a chance to relieve him/herself.
7. Don't take pets to fireworks shows. There is too much noise as well as many strangers, making it easy for your pet to panic and bolt, no matter how tight a hold you think you have on its leash.
8. Pet owners should always check with their veterinarian and follow their recommendations before using any medications or tranquilizers on pets that have anxiety issues.

Contact your local animal shelter if your dog or pet becomes lost and please visit the shelter daily.

. . . .REMEMBER . . . . THE CORONA POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE FOURTH OF JULY IS A GREAT HOLIDAY AND A PROFESSIONAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY WILL BE HOSTED BY THE CITY OF CORONA. HOWEVER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE PERSONAL USE OF FIREWORKS IS PROHIBITED BY CORONA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 15.12.070.