Serine
The Central Missouri Humane Society is taking proactive steps to help pet owners keep their animals safe and secure during the Fourth of July festivities.
Known for its dedication to animal welfare, the organization is providing low-cost ID tags and microchipping services to reduce the number of lost pets during this high-risk holiday.
Fireworks and Pets: A Risky Combination
Michelle Casey, Assistant Director of the Humane Society, emphasized that fireworks often distress dogs, causing them to run away from home.
“Keep pets indoors,” she advised. “It’s not just the loud booms — flashing lights and sudden activity can heighten anxiety and lead to escape.”
According to Casey, shelters typically see a surge in intake during the holiday because frightened dogs bolt through open windows or unsecured backyards.
Free and Low-Cost ID Tags Available
To promote pet safety, the Humane Society is offering free ID tags with every dog adoption through July 5. Additionally, $5 ID tags are available to the public. Visitors can stop by the shelter any afternoon this week to get one made.
“Collars with ID tags make a big difference when a dog escapes,” Casey noted. “They help get pets back home faster and prevent overcrowding in shelters.”
Affordable Microchipping Appointments Offered
In addition to ID tags, the shelter is providing microchipping services for $15, which includes registration. Owners can call ahead to schedule an appointment.
“Microchips are like a permanent collar,” Casey said. “If your pet is scanned at a vet or shelter, your contact information appears instantly. It’s one of the most reliable ways to ensure a lost pet is returned.”
Holiday Hours and Accessibility
To support the community, the Humane Society will remain open every afternoon this week, including on the Fourth of July, to provide these services to pet owners.
As fireworks season approaches, the Central Missouri Humane Society encourages pet owners to take preventive steps by securing their animals indoors and ensuring they’re easily identifiable.
Whether through a simple ID tag or a microchip, these tools can be the key to reuniting lost pets with their families and avoiding unnecessary shelter intake during the holiday.