Bloomington Animal Control sees an influx of 10 to 15 percent more pets in their shelter over the Fourth of July weekend — more than any other time during the year.
Julia Eppley, Bloomington animal shelter manager, says the unfamiliar sight and sound of fireworks over Fourth of July weekend tend to scare pets, and she says many end up running away.
She suggests keeping pets indoors during the fireworks, closing windows and curtains and playing music to muffle the noise.
"In case there were an incident, you want to have your dog or cat microchipped in case they were to get lost," Eppley says. "That way getting home would be much easier."
Eppley says the pet reclamation rate has gone up significantly since more owners have started microchipping their animals.