WilCo Shelter Officials Outline Holiday Safety Tips For Pets

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter officials have issued tips on keeping pets safe during the upcoming holiday season when fireworks typically result in an influx of animals spooked by the loud noise of pyrotechnics.

"Many families make plans to be home with their pets during scheduled fireworks shows in their communities, but it’s the impromptu celebrations in neighborhoods that can scare pets away," shelter officials wrote in an advisory.

Shelter officials cited data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals showing one in five pets goes missing after being scared by loud noises. To prevent that from happening, officials offered helpful tips:

• Exercise your pets during the day to help tire them out.
• Bring your pets inside your home and secure them while the fireworks are going off so they do not run away.
• Turn on the TV or play music to help keep them calm.
• Accompany your pet outside for outdoor potty breaks.
• Check your fencing for any weak spots or holes a frightened animal could escape through.
• Make sure your pet has a collar, ID tag, and a microchip with up-to-date contact information.
• Snap a photo of your pet to keep handy in case they do get lost.
• Consult your veterinarian about medication if your pet exhibits extra anxiety during fireworks.
• If you won’t be home, consider boarding your pet to keep it safe.

The shelter offers free microchips — including registration — to residents within its jurisdiction thanks to a generous grant from the Petco Foundation. To make an appointment to have your pet chipped, email wcras@wilco.org. The shelter will be open on New Year’s Day from noon to 4 p.m. for emergencies and pet reclaims.