Dallas Animal Services’ Newest Campaign Seeks Safe Shelter for Pets This Holiday Weekend – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

By Editor On Jul 1, 2021

Dallas Animal Services’ Home for the 4th campaign is committed to keeping all pets in Dallas safe this weekend by encouraging owners to keep their pets safe in their homes.

DAS also helps find adoptive or foster families for animal shelters to make room for the annual July 4th increase in lost pet intake.

DAS offers free adoptions online and in person all weekend long and has created a fully online grooming process at www.BeDallas90.org with roadside pet collection.

“Although fireworks are illegal in Dallas, their continued use into the first week of July results in an increase in lost pet intake,” said MeLissa Webber, DAS interim director.

“We are already fully booked, so this increase comes at a particularly challenging time and could force our employees to make difficult decisions in the coming days. One of the most important things residents can do to prevent a capacity crisis at DAS is to make sure their pet is safe and secure at home and does not add to the problem. “

According to a survey conducted by the ASPCA, almost one in five lost pets disappears after being startled by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noises.

“Every year we see lost pets come into our shelter that have never escaped before, and yet they’ve dug under the fence or pushed out the front door because they’re afraid of the neighbour’s fireworks,” said Webber . “Even if you think your pet would never run away, it’s important that you follow our safety tips to keep your pet from becoming part of these statistics.”

What if your pet goes missing during the July 4th fireworks? There is an app for that.

Almost every fifth pet lost goes missing after being startled by fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noises, according to recent survey results. Because it’s important to have the right information on hand when the unthinkable happens, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) created their very first interactive smartphone app to help pet parents recover their lost Find animals.
Make sure your pets are easily identified by securing their collars and ID tags. Make sure pets are microchipped and the information recorded on their microchip is correct. A microchip is required for pets in Dallas and DAS offers a $ 10 microchip by appointment.
Keep pets inside and out of doors. Fireworks can trigger your pets’ fight or flight instincts, causing them to flee in fear or to face the threat, risking serious burns. DAS recommends using a crate for your pet or creating a quiet spot in a room without a window. It’s also best to limit the number of people who go in and out of your home to prevent pets from slipping out the door.
Leave your pets at home when you go on a trip. Even pets who enjoy outing are likely to be frightened by fireworks and can act unpredictably. You will be more comfortable and safe at home.
Stand out by offering enriching toys like food-filled kongs or puzzle toys, and adding background noise like relaxing music or a quiet TV show to drown out the noise outside.
Watch what your pet is putting in their mouth to make sure they are not swallowing anything toxic. Independence Day celebrations often include toxic foods and beverages like alcohol, garlic, and onions, or chemicals like pesticides and pool chemicals.
Report fireworks or shots by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

If your pet is missing, DAS recommends that you:

Visit DAS in person daily to look for your lost pet as the photos on the site are not always detailed enough to properly identify your pet and we receive dozens of lost pets every day.
Post on social media platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook including neighborhood specific and lost / found pet groups.
Post flyers in your neighborhood with clear photos and a detailed description of your pet. DAS also recommends that you translate your flyer into as many languages as possible with free online translators, if necessary.
“While DAS prides itself on having one of the highest lost pet reunification rates in the country, we still see that more than 50% of the lost animals that come to our shelter are unclaimed,” said Webber. “Prevention is the best way to protect your pet, but if it is lost it is important to act quickly and search daily.”
For tips and resources on finding a lost pet or filing a complaint, visit www.BeDallas90.org.

What to do if you find a stray:

If you can safely do this, secure the pet in a yard or at home to get them out of harm’s way. Avoid approaching an animal that is aggressive, and never corner a pet, as this can cause even friendly pets to bite.
Post on social media platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook including neighborhood specific and lost / found pet groups.
Talk to your neighbors to see if anyone knows where the animal lives.
Post flyers in your neighborhood with clear photos and a detailed description of the animal. DAS also recommends that you translate your flyer into as many languages as possible with free online translators, if necessary.
Create a report of pets found by visiting BeDallas90.org to start pet reunions right away.
If you haven’t been able to find the owner, call 3-1-1 or make a service request online and an animal service agent will collect the animal as soon as possible.
For more information on protecting your pets or even adoption services, visit www.BeDallas90.org.

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