FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 29, 2016

MEDIA CONTACT: Cindy Burnham
CONTACT TITLE: Police Service Administrator
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 831-758-7991
Salinas Animal Services to Extend Hours to Help Pets Scared by Fireworks

Salinas, CA --  Each year, as the 4th of July approaches, the Salinas animal shelter fills up pets who are lost and scared because of fireworks. Many go unclaimed by their owners.

To help reunite those pets and their owners, Salinas Animal Services will be open for extended hours from noon - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4.

Animal Services will also offer special discounts for animals picked up July 1- July 9: boarding fees, city impound fees, and late license penalties will be waived. Free microchips and spay/neuter discount vouchers will be available.

To protect pets on the 4th of July, Salinas Animal Services, along the Humane Society of the United States, recommend these precautions:
  • Resist the urge to take pets to fireworks displays.
  • Make sure pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
  • Do not leave pet in cars. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, a pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for a pet to be stolen.
  • Keep  pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that items that can be destroyed or may be harmful if chewed are removed. Leaving a television or radio playing at normal volume can help keep pets company while owners are attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
  • Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
  • For pets that are seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with a veterinarian before July 4 for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
  • If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, make plans to have someone watch your pets so that they remain safe while you are away. Make sure that person knows where to look if the pet becomes lost and to alert you if the pet is missing.
If your pet does get lost, don't wait to look for it.  Search your local animal shelter as soon as you determine that your pet is lost as pets without I.D. are only held for 3 business days.

Animals found within the City limits of Salinas and Marina will be taken to Salinas Animal Services, 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas (the second shelter on Hitchcock). Normal hours of operation are Tuesday - Saturday from 12-5pm.

More information is available by calling 831-758-7285 or visiting www.SalinasAnimals.com. The website is updated hourly with information about found animals.

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Salinas Police Department
222 Lincoln Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901
www.salinaspd.com
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