Maui Humane Society Offers 4th of July Pet Safety Tips

Jul 1, 2020 | Press Releases

For Immediate Release: July 1, 2020

Contact: Jenny Miller, (808) 877-3680, [email protected]

Maui Humane Society Offers 4th of July Pet Safety Tips

Puunene, HI (07/01/20) Maui Humane Society is reminding pet owners to prepare their pets for firework celebrations this Independence Day. While our community is looking forward to a long weekend of fun and fireworks, many pets would prefer to skip the holiday altogether. “July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year at the shelter with a surge in animal intake and lost reports due to the impact of fireworks,” states Maui Humane Society CEO Steve MacKinnon. The noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many animals to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response and signs of anxiety like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.

To help keep your pet safe in the home over the holiday, Maui Humane Society offers the following tips:

  • Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely.
  • Secure pets in a room and play music or turn on the television to drown out noise.
  • Keep pets away from lit fireworks at all times. Pets that chase after fireworks are at risk to be burned or blinded.
  • Ensure that pets are wearing a collar with current identification tags including a license.
  • Consider calming aids such as a ThunderShirt and in extreme cases of anxiety, consult with a veterinarian about the possibility of medication.
  • Microchip your pets so that they be can scanned at the shelter or veterinary office if found.
  • If your pet does go missing over the holiday, check local ‘lost pet’ Facebook pages and file a lost report with Maui Humane Society online at www.mauihumanesociety.org. Do not come to the shelter to look for your pet as we continue to be open by appointment only.
  • If you find a stray dog, please call Maui Humane Society at 877-3680 ext. 3 to make an appointment for drop-off. Often a lost report has already been filed by the owner and we are able to connect the finder with the owner, preventing the need for the animal to come to the shelter.

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About Maui Humane Society: Maui Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, serving the community for over 65 years and is Maui’s only open admission shelter. Our mission is to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, accepting all in need, educating the community and inspiring respect and compassion toward all animals. The Maui Humane Society takes in more than 5,600 animals annually and serves many times that number through community outreach programs. Equally important, through the many programs and services offers, MHS provides support for Maui’s approximately 90,000 pet owners as well as Animal Management Services for the County of Maui.