Connecticut animal control shelters see bump in calls, arrivals since July 2

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Animal control officers and shelters across Connecticut are busy this time of year, trying to locate lost pets and return them to their homes.

Laura Burban, director of the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, said firework events on or around the Fourth of July can be a tough time for our furry friends. Between July 2-4, the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter received 11 calls about lost dogs and cats.

Some of those animals made their way to the shelter, while others were found by their owners — but the good news is that all 11 returned to their homes.

“Not only are there fireworks going on from the cities and the towns, but people are putting them off in their yards,” Burban said. “And if you don’t have any idea your neighbor’s going to be setting off fireworks, you might not know to not put your dog out in the yard.”

Burban said many animal control divisions and shelters are already overcrowded, but the best thing you can do is still call them.

“Believe it or not, a lot of people don’t [do that],” Burban said. “[Pet owners] try to call the police department, or they’ll try to go on Facebook and put a post, which is fine, except we might not know; and if your dog ends up here, and we don’t have tags on the dog or the dog’s not microchipped, we don’t know it’s your dog.”

Burban said there are things you can do to ease the strain on crowded shelters, but when your lost pet is in fight-or-flight mode, it may not be easy.

“Don’t scream out their name, don’t chase them because you push them further away from the home and you actually scare them, even though you’re their owner or their person,” Burban said.

So what should you do?

“Sit down on the ground,” Burban said. “If the dog or cat has a favorite treat or a treat bag, you can just sit there and shake it. Because you sitting down at their level, you become less intimidating.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.