Pet owners should prepare now for Fourth of July fireworks

Now is the time for pet owners to take proactive measures to keep their animals safe during the Fourth of July holiday. Fireworks may cause pets to panic and escape from their enclosures or to bolt away from their owners. Even pets that have never seemed bothered by loud noises before can develop new fears.

“In many neighborhoods, fireworks start before the actual holiday,” Washington County's Animal Behavior and Outreach Coordinator Stacy Beckley said. “Many of our tips are most effective when put into place in advance. Pet owners should do what they can now to prevent the stress and heartache of a lost pet.”

Things pet owners can do to keep pets safe:

• If your pet might fear loud noises, ask your veterinarian about medication or other options for reducing your pet's anxiety during fireworks.
• Double-check that your yard is secure, repair damaged fencing, and ensure any gates close fully and stay shut.
• Verify that pets' tags and microchips have current and updated information, and that your dog is licensed. If your pet is staying with someone else and you will be out of phone range, add a tag with the caretaker's information so they can be called quickly when the pet is found.
• Make sure you have good current photos of your pet in case you need to make lost pet posters or file a lost pet report.
• Keep your dog on a leash for potty breaks and exercise, even in your own yard.
• Keep your pet indoors during the festivities.
• Pick a room in your home that can provide a safe space for your pet during the festivities and fireworks. Help your pet become comfortable and create a positive association with the room before the fireworks start. Play music or talk radio to try to drown out the noise.

You can find information on what to do if you lose or find a pet during the holiday weekend, as well as view stray animals located at the shelter, by visiting www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. Pets are posted within about an hour of intake into the shelter, so owners should check the website several times a day if their animal goes missing.

The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter in Hillsboro will be open on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for limited services, including stray dog intake and reunions between lost animals and their owners.

Washington County Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter are located at 1901 SE 24th Avenue in Hillsboro, just off Tualatin Valley Highway by Lowe’s and Home Depot.

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Stacy Beckley is available for media interviews weekdays through July 2, 2026. See contact info below.