Is your neighborhood near a fireworks display? Or, will you be hosting a Fourth of July party at your home this year? While July 4th is typically a fun-filled day of barbeques and fireworks, it can potentially be a day of terrible mishaps and even firework related abuse for family pets.

Pets can easily become overwhelmed by the noise and commotion of Independence Day celebrations due to the crowds and thunderous sound of fireworks. If alarmed, your pet may become disoriented and try to escape from your yard or home, resulting in a lost or injured pet, and heartache for you.

Please take the following precautions to ensure you and your pet enjoy a safe holiday weekend:

• Keep your pets sheltered indoors in a quiet and isolated room with covered windows or in a room with no windows.

• Leave on a fan, television, or radio at normal volume to keep your pet company while you're attending the picnics and parades. They'll provide familiar indoor sounds and may help soothe your pets if they must be alone on this noisy holiday.

• Never leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard.

• Never take your pet to the fireworks displays! 

• Make sure your cat is wearing an appropriately-fitting stretch or safety collar with proper identification so they can be returned if they do get lost. Identification tags should include a current phone number and address as well as a current rabies tag. Found animals should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. If your pet does stray from home, it's important to visit your local shelters to find out if your pet has arrived safely.

• If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, do some research about traveling with your pet or choosing a professional pet sitter or boarding kennel.