Pet Owners Urged To Keep Pets Safe This Fourth Of July

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Humane Society urged pet owners Tuesday to plan and keep their pets safe over the Fourth of July holiday.

July 1 is National ID Your Pet Day, the perfect reminder to ensure pets have proper identification ahead of the holiday weekend, according to the nonprofit organization.

San Diego Humane Society will offer free microchips through July 3 and waive reclaim fees through July 8 to make it easier for lost pets to return home after Independence Day fireworks.

With nearly 1,900 animals currently in care, the shelter is going into the holiday weekend at 142% capacity for dogs, according to the organization. Last year alone, 314 stray animals arrived at San Diego Humane Society between July 4-7, yet only 72 were reunited with their families.

"We want to do everything possible to prevent pets from getting lost, and to help lost pets return home quickly," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. "Please keep pets safely indoors during fireworks and festivities."

San Diego Humane Society will be closed July 4, but staff will assist with lost or stray pets from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. at shelter locations in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. Call 619-299-7012 and press 1 for assistance.

Lost pets at the shelter can be reclaimed between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Reclaim hours will be extended to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 5.