As the red, white, and blue bunting starts to drape over the city, signaling the imminent Fourth of July festivities, San Antonio is buzzing with plans for celebrations. Yet amidst the excitement, a far less jubilant narrative unfolds for the city's four-legged denizens. San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) is stepping up to inform pet owners that the fun and fanfare can be a real fright fest for furry family members. SAACS cautions that while you might relish the loud crackles and booms, pets typically do not. An official celebration at Woodlawn Lake, coupled with evening fireworks, is a central part of this year's agenda. "These events are no place for pets," a statement on the SAACS's website advises. Instead, SAACS suggests leaving pets at home in a secured, quiet space.
With Independence Day around the corner, SAACS highlighted the importance of a collar and microchip ID, which can greatly raise the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners. It's a simple step to ensure your pet has a ticket home — and it's also mandated by law in the city. SAACS reminds pet owners to verify and update the contact information linked to their pet's microchip before the festivities begin to really swing.
Pets, when startled, might act unpredictably, so leaving them unattended outside is not recommended, even in a fenced yard. "The dog who’d never left your yard before could easily dig a hole under the fence to escape the noise," explains the SAACS warning. Likewise, never should a pet be left in a vehicle during celebrations, as temperatures can rapidly become lethal.
Food and drink hazards are also on SAACS's radar. While partaking in the holiday cheer, pet owners should resist the urge to share. "People food for people, please," the SAACS guideline reads. Notably, watermelon is a dog-friendly snack, sans seeds and rind, but alcohol is a big no, potentially being fatal to animals. And when it comes to juicy meats on the grill, ensure pets can't get a dangerous surprise by securing the barbecue pit.
For pets that struggle with the commotions and loud reports of fireworks, SAACS recommends creating a peaceful refuge indoors. Provide them with a comfortable space, replete with their favorite toys, fresh food, and water—maybe throw in a treat or two for good measure. To safeguard pets from ill-conceived July Fourth "pranks," it's best to keep animals indoors for the duration of the evening. If you're uncertain how to soothe an anxious pet, consulting your veterinarian can yield helpful remedies.
Even though the Fourth of July is a holiday for most, SAACS's main campus at 4710 State Highway 151 will be closed, but Animal Care Officers are still slated to be on duty to respond to pet-related emergencies. Concerned residents can make reports by calling 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000.
