Humane Society sees surge in lost pets after fireworks

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Every year, hundreds of pets scared by fireworks end up at the San Diego Humane Society in the days following July Fourth.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, the shelter had 97 stray animals — a number expected to rise to 300 by Sunday. Last year, they received 273 stray animals, only 76 of which were reclaimed.

Nina Thompson, director of Public Relations with San Diego Humane Society, says this year, it’s especially difficult to care for the arrivals.

“We are at more than 170% capacity for dogs, so that means that dogs that come into our care are going to stay temporarily, possibly in crates, and that’s not something that we prefer at all,” she said.

If your pet is missing, officials recommend checking your neighborhood. Eighty percent of lost pets are found within a mile of home. Walk your local area and speak with neighbors, letting them know your pet is missing and providing their description. Even if neighbors have not seen your pet, they will now be on the lookout and know to contact you if you pet is spotted.

If you find a pet, first look for the owner in your neighborhood by posting online and talking to neighbors. If you can’t find the owner, the San Diego Humane Society is there to help.

Through Sunday, the San Diego Humane Society is waiving reclaim fees for lost pets to help them reunite with their families faster. Lost pets can be reclaimed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

If your pet is missing, text “LOST” to 858-SAN-LOST (858-726-5678) for instructions and useful tips or visit sdhumane.org/lost.

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