West Virginia shelter shares impact of fireworks on pets

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but are they harming your pets?

Loud noises are known to startle animals, cause them to experience PTSD-like symptoms, and potentially cause them to run away from home.

July 5 is the number one day a year that animals are returned to shelters or rescues. That is why it is important to prepare your animals in advance, according to Community Engagement Manager of Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, Angie Gillenwater.

”It’s something that we as humans, we understand. We know they’re fireworks; we know that nothing bad is going to happen; we know that eventually they end. Cats and dogs and other pets don’t quite get that; they don’t understand that it’s just a loud noise; they don’t get that you’re safe you’re fine.”

Gillenwater says that the shelter prepares several days in advance. Volunteers come to the shelter, give the dogs extra love, and then secure them in their kennels in case they get scared overnight.

She said that they anticipated rounding up some dogs on Friday and giving them care until they could be reunited with their owners.

To keep your pets at home from going missing during a fireworks show, keep them in a secure place either in a room or on a leash. Also, make sure that all contact information on their collar is updated. Gillenwater also recommends microchipping your animals so that they may be easily identifiable.

If your pet does get loose, check the shelters across your area and use social media to your advantage.

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