Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Public Safety

County Officials Urge Dog Owner Caution During Fourth Of July Fireworks

Amy Bjornson and her dog Skyler play at Fiesta Island dog park, March 16, 2018.
Claire Trageser
Amy Bjornson and her dog Skyler play at Fiesta Island dog park, March 16, 2018.

San Diego County officials Wednesday reminded residents to keep a close eye on their dogs during Fourth of July fireworks shows.

Animal-shelter populations typically swell each year after pyrotechnic displays spook dogs, which also run the risk of being hit by a vehicle or attacked by another animal when they bolt from home.

Owners shouldn't underestimate their pet's ability to get loose, county Animal Services Director Daniel DeSousa said

Advertisement

"Dogs can panic and they'll do anything to escape the noise," he said. "That includes digging under, climbing over or even breaking through gates, screens, fences, windows and doors."

RELATED: San Diego 4th Of July: What You Should Know

Licensed and microchipped animals are more likely to be reunited with their owners.

Residents of unincorporated areas can get their dogs chipped for $10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at county shelters in Carlsbad and Bonita.

Starting Sunday, the San Diego Humane Society started providing animal services for the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee and Solana Beach.

Advertisement

The Humane Society is offering free microchipping and is waiving reclaim fees until Sunday.

Officials also recommend that owners register their pets with Finding Rover, a free application that matches dogs faces with those that have been lost or found.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.