Local animal shelters see increase in lost pets after Fourth of July celebrations

Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate Independence Day for many, but for our four-legged friends, the loud bangs and booms can be frightening.

July 5th is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters. Many shelters can see a 30 to 50 percent increase in lost pets after the holiday.

Marisa Sanabria, the Animal Services Manager at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms says her shelter has seen the same increase.

"We've had an increase in animals all this week because there's [been] firework shows all week long in the Coachella Valley," she explained. "The 4th of July is very scary for lots of pets and stray animals out there."

The animal shelter's dog kennels are filled, with some cages having four dogs inside. Many of them aren't microchipped, making reuniting them with their owners more difficult.

"Having your pets tagged and microchipped helps. We can call you and reunite you with your pet," Sanabria says. If you're looking for a lost pet, she says to bring your ID and let them know which pet is yours. "We will make sure that your pet goes home with you today."

The shelter says fees for impounded animals will be waived on Friday and Saturday in an effort to reunite lost pets with their owners.