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(Des Moines, IA) -- Animal shelters across the metro are preparing for an influx of missing pets heading into the holiday weekend.
“Pets do things they wouldn’t normally do, jump fences, squeeze through gates, bolt out doors, because of the trauma caused by loud noises,” said Tom Colvin, Chief Executive Officer of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Fireworks and other loud sounds can be extremely distressing for some pets. The level of sensitivity varies from animal to animal.
Colvin advises pet owners to keep their animals as far away from the noise as possible. He also suggests that owners consider speaking with their veterinarian about medications that can help calm pets during fireworks season.
“Unfortunately, fireworks season comes at a time when shelters and rescues are already overcrowded,” Colvin said. “So we may see an even greater influx of animals needing help.”
Many shelters across the metro are already at full capacity.
More information on how to keep pets safe and comfortable during fireworks season is available at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s website.