Prepare and Protect Your Pets From Fireworks

With their sensitive hearing, many household pets become terrified by fireworks.

In Los Angeles, it's not uncommon this time of year for firefighters to deal with persons bitten or injured by skittish animals or traffic collisions caused by wayward dogs, cats and horses.

While we encourage attendance at a professional fireworks show, it's a good idea to leave your furry friends safe at home, ideally with someone to watch over them.

In fact, now would be a great time to prepare your residence to safely harbor your pet from the frightful sights and sounds that may be associated with Independence Day celebrations.

First, make sure your pets are wearing proper identification. If your pet does run away during during the exploding noise of a fireworks display, you will have a better chance of recovering the animal if it is wearing an ID tag.

Secondly, contact your veterinarian now for professional advice or assistance in preparing animals for the noisy days to come. For household pets, an otherwise quiet and well-secured room with television or radio playing at normal volume may be just what the doctor orders.

Lastly, take a photograph of your pet and place the telephone numbers of your veterinarian and Animal Care and Control agency near your home phone and in your cell phone. In the event of an escaped animal or crisis, you can contact these professionals promptly for guidance.

Within the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Animal Services can be reached directly at (888) 452-7381 or by calling 3-1-1.

Should you experience an emergency that endangers human life or property and demands immediate attention, your Police or Fire Department may be contacted via 9-1-1.

Please join us in making sure that every member of your household celebrates safely!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department