TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The aftermath of Fourth of July fireworks is being felt at local animal shelters, as they work to reunite runaway pets with their owners.
Fireworks can be a significant source of stress for dogs, causing them to escape. Often, they end up at the Helping Hands Humane Society.
Since July 1st, the shelter has collected 36 lost dogs and 24 lost cats.
As of Saturday evening, it’s housing 48 stray animals.
“It really is because of fireworks,” said Emi Griess, Communications Coordinator at Helping Hands Humane Society. “There are some dogs who are escape artists and would get out any time of year. But fireworks, especially, will spook dogs who wouldn’t otherwise run away. They may run so far that they realize they don’t know how to get back home.”
She said the Fourth of July season is one of the busiest times of the year for lost pets.
On average, they may receive up to 10 stray animals per day.
“But on the days around the Fourth of July, we might see 20 and above on some of those days, which is extra stressful,” Griess said.
If your pet is missing, there are many ways to track them down.
You can file a lost pet report on the Helping Hands website and follow the HHHS Lost & Found Pets Facebook page, where they post photos of every stray animal they receive.
“We feel the pain of losing a pet,” Griess said. “It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. We know how stressful and frustrating and scary that can be, so we want nothing more than to unite those animals with you.”
Griess advises microchipping your pet and keeping contact information on their collar in case they escape.
Helping Hands microchipped more than 110 pets this June and July in preparation for the Fourth of July season.
It’s hosting a food truck event with free microchipping for all animals on August 2 from 4-8 p.m.
Find more information about lost pet resources here.
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