Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2026

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Pet Safety Tips for the 4th of July Holiday

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) reminds the community that while the Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence, it can also be a stressful and potentially dangerous time for pets. Fireworks, gatherings, and increased outdoor activity often lead to frightened animals, many of whom become lost and enter shelters during the holiday period.

To help keep pets safe and reduce the number of lost animals, DACC encourages residents to take the following precautions:

• Provide a safe, quiet, and secure space inside the home where pets can stay away from loud noises.
• Offer toys, treats, or comfort items that can help distract and soothe anxious pets.
• Check on your pets frequently during celebrations and reassure them to help reduce their stress and anxiety.
• Talk with your pet’s veterinarian to discuss whether sedatives could be helpful for your pet.
• Ensure your pets are microchipped and your current contact information is registered in a national microchip registry database. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification that greatly increases the chances of reuniting lost pets with their families. Pets should also wear a collar with up-to-date and legible identification tags.

“Fourth of July celebrations are fun for people but can be frightening for our pets,” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “Taking a few simple steps–like keeping them safely indoors, ensuring they have proper identification, and providing comfort–can make all the difference in keeping animals safe during the holiday. Our goal is to help families and their pets stay together and avoid the heartbreak of separation.”

DACC encourages all pet owners to plan ahead and ensure their animals are protected before festivities begin. Should your pet become lost, please visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/if-you-lost-your-pet/ for things you can do to locate it. You should also visit the local animal care agency for your area (https://locator.lacounty.gov/animal/shelters ) or their website to see if your pet is at their facility.

“Every year, across the County, pets are injured or lost during the Fourth of July holiday period, further straining our animal care systems,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “Angelenos are encouraged to take necessary precautions, including securing their pets, offering comfort, and ensuring their pet is properly microchipped and pet owner information is up to date. These steps can all make a difference to ensure our families and their pets stay safe, together.”

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.