As most pet parents — especially dog owners — likely already know, the bright and loud bursts of Fourth of July fireworks can mean a stressful night for their loved ones.
That’s why every year, Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) recruits community members to temporarily shelter pets during the Independence Day period through its Foster the Fourth initiative. LBACS will also share information so community members can properly prepare themselves and their pets for the holiday.
“Fostering helps pets feel safe and supported during a stressful time and frees up valuable space needed for incoming lost pets,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Foster the Fourth is an easy way community members can directly contribute to our local animal welfare.”
The initiative will kick off Thursday, June 18 with extended hours at the shelter (until 7 p.m.) and concierge-style matchmaking services for potential foster families and ready-to-adopt pets at LBACS (7700 E. Spring St.). During this event, Blockhead Brigade, K9 Kismet and Zoom Room will be on-site to provide additional fostering resources. Foster families will be set up with food, veterinary care and comfort supplies.
There will also be extended hours on Tuesdays, June 23 and June 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more foster matchmaking.
According to LBACS, every Fourth of July, they receive an influx of runaway dogs due to the fear of fireworks. This turmoil can lead to animals running onto roadways, creating unsafe conditions for animals and passing drivers. Additionally, the rise in lost animals leads to strained resources and limited kennel spaces at LBACS.
“The Fourth of July is one of the highest‑intake times of the year for shelters,” said Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau Manager Melanie Wagner in a public statement. “Our focus is keeping families and pets together by making sure our community is prepared before fireworks begin and by encouraging neighbors to hold onto found strays so they can be reunited with their families quickly.”
LBACS encourages local pet owners to abide by the following safety tips on July 4:
- Keep pets indoors, ideally in a quiet and secure room.
- Create a calming environment using music, fans or white noise.
- Ensure microchips are updated with the current pet owner contact information.
- Make sure pets wear ID tags, even if they are indoor animals.
- Ensure that your pet has a current license.
Residents who come across a lost dog are encouraged to keep the pets safely with them for a minimum of 48 hours to increase the chances of reunification. According to LBACS, most lost pets stay close to home, so allowing them to remain in the area can ensure a quicker reunion with the pet’s family and the preservation of shelter space for animals in need of emergency care.
Those who find a lost pet are advised to report the pet right away by taking a photo, notifying the community via social media or neighborhood groups and, if the situation permits, checking with nearby neighbors. LBACS can ensure anyone temporarily sheltering a lost pet has supplies such as food, crates and beds during the reunification process.
Community members who are unable to hold onto a lost pet may bring the pet to LBACS or call 562-570-7387 to reach an animal control officer. Unlike prior years, LBACS will remain open on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist with found strays and lost-pet reunifications.
To learn more about Foster the Fourth or view lost and found pets, visit longbeach.gov/acs or call Long Beach Animal Care Services’ main line at 562-570-7387.
