This year, the 4th of July may not be filled with as much food, friends and fireworks as previous years. Many cities have canceled their firework celebrations all together. However, without large fireworks displays people are likely to host even more fireworks in their neighborhoods. For our pets, it can feel more like a scary alien invasion!

In fact, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, which fill up quickly with animals who panic and flee the bright lights and loud noises of holiday celebrations. Make July 4th a pet-riotic holiday by following these steps for a stress free day for both you and your fur-kids.

1. Prepare for the worst-case scenario.  July 4th is a great annual reminder to be prepared in case your pet escapes or gets lost. If your pet is not wearing a collar with an ID tag, now is the best time to get one. Visit your local pet store or even Wal-Mart for a tag machine. Tags cost less than $10 (you will spend more on gas searching for your lost baby if he/she runs away.) If your pet is not microchipped, visit consider getting one. They run $20-$50 depending on where you go and they provide peace of mind in case your pet is ever lost that you can be reunited. Planned PEThood offers low-cost microchipping at vaccine clinics are with spay/neuter surgeries.
2. Double Check Your Microchip. If your pet is microchipped, you’ll want to double check that your pet’s registry is connected to the correct name and your current phone number and address. If your pet is chipped but not registered, you can register for free here. On that page, created especially for pet owners, you can find resources on what steps to take in case your pet is lost, check local shelters and create a poster for your lost pet.
3. Leave your pet home. Better to leave them at home in a cool spot with lots of water. The noises might be scary, but you will know they are safe. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic and try to run. No matter how well trained your pet is, a loud BOOM can cause them to run away.
4. Work them out.  Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day, so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A nice long run or play session during the daytime will help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Some pets may sleep right through the night time celebrations!
5. Head indoors before the fun begins. Don’t wait for the fireworks to be in full swing before taking care of your pet. It’s best to bring him or her indoors or put them in a cozy spot well ahead of the first boom of fireworks. Which brings us to…
6.  Create a safe space. Pre-pyrotechnics, create a safe, escape-proof space in your home. Lower the blinds, close the windows, provide a bed or crate where they feel comfortable, offer a special chew or toy to distract them and turn on the TV or radio to help mask the noises outside.
7. Wrap them up. Confining movement in dogs and cats actually has a calming effect on them, which is why you might want to consider an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. Try this one, available on Amazon. In a pinch, you can even create one from a scarf.
8. Give them a chill pill. If you’re really worried about a pet who stresses easily, talk to your vet in advance about anti-anxiety chews, drops or other remedies that can help your pet relax. There are plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions out there that can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation that he or she needs.

Independence Day is fun for us, but it’s the worst day imaginable for some cats and dogs. They literally think the world is ending! Do them a favor and make sure they’re well protected and safe so they stay with you for many years to come. Happy Fourth!

Credit: MICHELSON FOUND ANIMALS FOUNDATION

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has affected small businesses and non-profit organizations hard. Our spay/neuter clinic and supporting programs were closed for five weeks, while our rescue and foster programs were running at warp speed. Our fans and supporters have been crucial to our survival.

Additionally, there have been numerous organizations that have stepped up to offer additional aid to animal welfare organizations like Planned PEThood of Georgia. We are honored to have received aid from three organizations: The Petfinder Foundation, The Banfield Foundation, and Maddie’s Fund. Their support has allowed us to continue our important work.

Please take a moment to learn about the wonderful work of these three organizations and thank them for their gifts to Planned PEThood of Georgia. 

Maddie’s Fund ($2,500) – #ThanksToMaddie our foster animals have been able to receive the supplies and care they need during this difficult time. Planned PEThood was awarded a $2,500 Foster Pet Stimulus Grant to assist with the cost of basic supplies such as litter and food and critical vaccinations for 50 kittens. 

Maddie’s Fund^® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Workday^® co-founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, who have endowed the Foundation with more than $300 million. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $237.6 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter management leadership, shelter medicine education and foster care across the U.S. The Duffields named Maddie’s Fund after their Miniature Schnauzer Maddie, who always made them laugh and gave them much joy. Maddie was with Dave and Cheryl for ten years and continues to inspire them today.

Maddie’s Fund is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, investing its resources to create a no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.

Petfinder Foundation ($750) – The Petfinder Foundation’s 2020 COVID-19 Operation Grant was the first grant available to animal welfare organizations for COVID-19 specific needs. We are honored to receive a gift of $750 from the Petfinder Foundation to assist with animals our organization has already committed to help. 

The Petfinder Foundation supports the shelters and rescue groups, including Planned PEThood of Georgia, that post their adoptable pets on Petfinder.com. It is their mission is to prevent the euthanasia of adoptable pets.

Banfield Foundation (920 doses of flea/tick prevention) – In the past, the Banfield Foundation has gifted our clinic with surgical equipment and sterilization tools totaling close to $20,000. This recent gift of 920 doses of flea/tick prevention is just another testament to their generosity. 

These medications will be used at our clinic to give to pets and pet parents in need. Often we encounter patients unable to afford supplies such as flea/tick medication. This gift will allow our team the ability to help pet parents who may be struggling to afford their pet’s basic needs right now.