SE Valley Times

As fireworks light up the skies during Independence Day celebrations, pets can become highly distressed by the noise, lights, and commotion. With fireworks scheduled for the Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T in downtown Mesa on Thursday, July 4, and other Fourth of July events around the East Valley, Mesa Animal Control advises pet owners to take precautions.

Pet owners are urged to ensure their animals have identification tags or a microchip with current information to facilitate contact if an animal escapes. This includes maintaining current licenses for dogs.

Officials recommend not taking pets to any outdoor activities where fireworks will be present. Instead, it is advised to leave pets inside homes with a television or radio on to help mask the noise from fireworks. Closing blinds can prevent bright flashing lights from alarming pets. Crating pets may also be beneficial if they are accustomed to it.

It is crucial never to leave pets in cars as they could suffer serious health effects, including death, within minutes due to heat exposure. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air but do pose a risk of theft for both the pet and vehicle.

In case a pet escapes, owners should contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control at (602) 506-7387 for shelter locations and hours or visit maricopa.gov/162/Lost-Found-Pet online.

If someone finds a lost pet, they are encouraged to call Mesa Animal Control at 480-644-2268 to request a pickup. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but pickups are only available until 11:30 a.m. due to restricted shelter hours.

Arizona permits the legal use of fireworks on private property with the owner's permission from now through July 6. However, not all types of fireworks are legal. For more information about legal and safe firework usage, visit mesaaz.gov/fireworks.