Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe on Fourth of July

Editor's Note: These are tips provided on the city of Cerritos website.

The Fourth of July can be a frightening time for animals, with the loud sounds of firecrackers and fireworks often sending pets scurrying out of the house or yard in search of security or shelter. 

Long Beach Animal Care Services reminds all animal owners that they can save themselves and their pets a tremendous amount of heartache and anxiety by following a few simple suggestions: 

• Keep pets indoors, if possible, or confined to a secure area (never tether an animal because it can lead to more harm or an accidental death) 
• Double check yard gates to make sure that pets cannot escape 
• Make certain pets are wearing identification, including the name and current telephone number of owner 
  

Anyone who loses an animal in the City of Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Signal Hill or Cerritos should visit www.petharbor.com or the city's pet lost and found online at www.longbeach.gov/acs.

If one does not see their pet online, please visit the local shelter in person on Friday, July 5, 2013, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 pm. The shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St., between Studebaker Road and the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway. 

The shelter will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2013, but Animal Control Officers will be responding 24-hours a day to emergency calls, such as stray and injured animals, and animals that have bitten or scratched others. 

The shelter is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter is closed on Monday, Tuesday and holidays. For Animal Care Services or more information call 570-PETS (7387). After-hours emergency phone calls for services are automatically transferred to the Fire Department for dispatch service. 

For further information regarding Animal Care Services and responsible pet ownership, visit www.longbeach.gov/acs or call 562.570.7387.