For many families in Rosewood Atascosa Estates, the Fourth of July means cookouts, neighborhood gatherings and fireworks lighting up the summer sky. For dogs and cats, though, the same celebration can feel confusing and frightening.

That is why the San Antonio Humane Society is using Independence Day to remind local pet owners to plan ahead before the evening noise begins. Fireworks are loud, sudden and stressful for many animals, and frightened pets may try to hide, bolt through an open door or escape from a yard.

The reminder comes as San Antonio-area residents prepare for a busy holiday evening, with fireworks expected across neighborhoods throughout the region. For pet owners, a few simple steps before sunset can make the difference between a calm night at home and a stressful search for a missing dog or cat.

San Antonio Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Prepare Before Dark

The San Antonio Humane Society, a local nonprofit serving dogs, cats and families across San Antonio and surrounding communities, works year-round through adoption, rescue, foster, spay/neuter, education and pet wellness programs. The organization describes itself as one of the largest dog and cat adoption organizations in San Antonio and says its mission includes protecting and improving the lives of pets through shelter, care, adoption and responsible pet ownership education.

This Fourth of July, SAHS is asking residents to think about the holiday from a pet’s point of view. Loud pops, flashing lights, visitors, grilling smells and open doors can all add up quickly for animals that do not understand what is happening outside.

The organization’s guidance is straightforward: bring pets indoors, place them in a quiet room and use television, music or other familiar sounds to help drown out the fireworks. For pets with more severe noise anxiety, SAHS recommends speaking with a veterinarian about additional options to help them stay calm.

Check Collars, Tags and Microchips Before Fireworks Begin

One of the most important Fourth of July pet safety tips is also one of the easiest to overlook: make sure collar tags and microchip contact information are current.

SAHS warned that frightened dogs and cats may be more likely to escape during fireworks. If a pet slips out of the house or yard, up-to-date identification can help neighbors, shelters or animal care staff reunite the animal with its family more quickly.

San Antonio pet owners should check that a collar fits properly, an ID tag is readable and the phone number connected to a microchip is still correct. This is especially important in neighborhoods where backyard fireworks, visitors and open gates may create extra chances for pets to get loose.

Local animal welfare officials have issued similar Fourth of July reminders in past years, noting that dogs and cats can become frightened by holiday noise and commotion and that owners should keep pets secure indoors during celebrations.

Keep Holiday Foods and Trash Away from Pets

The Fourth of July table can also create hazards for animals. SAHS is reminding families to keep candy, fatty foods, aluminum and other harmful garbage out of a pet’s reach.

That matters during backyard gatherings in Rosewood Atascosa Estates, where guests may set plates down, kids may drop snacks and trash bags may sit outside longer than usual. Foods that seem ordinary to people can upset a pet’s stomach or create more serious health concerns, especially when mixed with heat, stress and a noisy holiday environment.

A helpful rule for tonight: keep pets away from the food table, secure trash cans and ask guests not to feed dogs or cats scraps.

SAHS Closed July 4, Returning to Normal Hours July 5

The San Antonio Humane Society also reminded the public that SAHS will be closed on Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Essential staff will remain on-site to care for the pets at the shelter.

SAHS said it will return to normal hours on Sunday, July 5. Residents interested in viewing adoptable pets can visit the organization’s website for available dogs and cats. SAHS adoption information notes that adopted pets may include services such as spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchip registration, deworming and prevention care, depending on the adoption.

A Practical Fourth of July Checklist for Rosewood Atascosa Estates Pet Owners

Before fireworks begin this evening, residents can take a few practical steps: bring pets inside early, close doors and windows, create a quiet room, turn on music or television, check collars and microchip information, and move food, candy and trash out of reach.

For families celebrating at home, it may also help to walk dogs earlier in the day before fireworks start and avoid leaving pets alone outside. Even animals that are usually calm can react differently when the popping starts.

Fourth of July traditions bring people together across San Antonio, but a little preparation helps make sure the celebration is safer for the pets who share those homes and neighborhoods.

For more local reminders, community updates and helpful neighborhood news, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.