Frightened By Fireworks, Lost Pets Spike After Fourth Of July

NASHVILLE, TN — Cats and canines alike are often spooked by celebratory fireworks on July 4, which makes July 5 the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.

Metro Animal Care and Control says it typically picks up 50 to 60 runaway pets the day after Independence Day and with the shelter near capacity already, it can strain resources and space. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

But reuniting furry family members with the two-legged counterparts is a priority, so MACC is waiving reclaimed pet fees until Saturday. Fees for adoptable animals have also been lowered to $45 for dogs, which includes spaying or neutering and microchipping, and $10 for cats and kittens.

If you have a lost pet in Davidson County, register your lost dog or cat with Pet Harbor, which also has photos of animals at the MACC shelter. Rutherford County uses the same service. In Williamson County, register your lost pet directly with the Williamson County Animal Center.

Image via Metro Animal Care and Control