With the Fourth of July approaching, many Denverites and local residents are eager to celebrate with family, friends, food and of course, fireworks.

Fireworks will light up the sky across the metro, in the streets and on driveways, which can scare our four-legged companions, and as a result, officials from Denver Animal Protection have several tips to keep all pets safe and have an enjoyable weekend.

Don’t:

• Take your pet to parades or fireworks displays or leave your pet in the car at firework shows
• Leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Pets that normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, when fearful. This could put them at risk of injury or death.

Do:

• Keep pets indoors at home in a sheltered quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure you’ve removed any fragile items.
• Find a pet sitter if you’re spending the day away from home.
• Provide a safe place.
• License and microchip your pet. 
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags, so if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.
• Use a leash or carrier when transporting your pet. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or carrier. 
• Talk to your veterinarian if you know your pet has anxiety
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, charcoal, food scraps and kabob skewers away from curious pets. 

For more information about Denver Animal Protection and Shelter or to license your pet online, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org.

With the Fourth of July approaching, many Denverites and local residents are eager to celebrate with family, friends, food and of course, fireworks.

Fireworks will light up the sky across the metro, in the streets and on driveways, which can scare our four-legged companions, and as a result, officials from Denver Animal Protection have several tips to keep all pets safe and have an enjoyable weekend.

Don’t:

• Take your pet to parades or fireworks displays or leave your pet in the car at firework shows
• Leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Pets that normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, when fearful. This could put them at risk of injury or death.

Do:

• Keep pets indoors at home in a sheltered quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure you’ve removed any fragile items.
• Find a pet sitter if you’re spending the day away from home.
• Provide a safe place.
• License and microchip your pet. 
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags, so if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.
• Use a leash or carrier when transporting your pet. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or carrier. 
• Talk to your veterinarian if you know your pet has anxiety
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, charcoal, food scraps and kabob skewers away from curious pets. 

For more information about Denver Animal Protection and Shelter or to license your pet online, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org.