July 2, 2008

 The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Care & Control Division is reminding pet owners that it's once again the time of year we hear fireworks, firecrackers, thunderstorms and experience hot temperatures!

Please be mindful how this affects your pets as the 4^th of July holiday approaches and summer thunderstorms and heat waves roll through our region.  Last year approximately 17 dogs were brought in as strays (running loose) in the 2 days following the 4^th of July holiday.  Out of the dogs that were reclaimed by owners, nearly half stated that their dog was frightened by fireworks.

"July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs are found miles from their homes, confused, disoriented, and exhausted. People call hoping to locate a missing dog that, terrified, crashed through a window, jumped a high fence, or broke its leash or chain."

-The American Humane Association

Animal Care & Control advises that you secure your pet in an area of your home where it feels safe and secure.  This will help avoid unnecessary stress on your pet or possible injury and accidental escape. 

• If your pet is upset by a door slamming or other loud noises consider consulting with your vet for a type of sedative.
• Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed or consumed.
• Leave a radio or television on at normal volume to provide your pet companionship.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification or microchipped so they can be returned if they do get lost. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the Animal Care & Control at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Animal Care & Control recommends microchipping your pet.  It's permanent identification for your pet.  All of our Animal Care & Control Trucks are equipped with microchip scanners and every animal we pick up is immediately scanned for a microchip.  If a chip is located the animal can be returned home immediately, without having to come to the shelter.  Animal Care & Control also encourages everyone who has a pet that's microchipped to register your pet in our local database for FREE.

To register online go to www.cmpd.org and click Animal Care & Control, then click the programs and services tab. 

Lastly, to look for a lost pet, first check the lost pets section on our website.  We also suggest coming to the shelter to walk through our stray kennels.