Long Beach Animal Care Services is preparing for an influx of lost pets expected in the wake of 4th of July festivities. To prepare extra space for them in Long Beach’s overcrowded shelter, local animal-lovers are being asked to foster current shelter residents in their homes during the holiday.
Across the nation, 4th of July fireworks lead to an increase in lost pets who become scared and confused from the ongoing noise.
According to the company Pet Amber Alert, animal control services from around the country report a 30% increase in lost pets from July 4 to July 6 each year.
In order to make room for the flood of lost pets, Long Beach Animal Care Services started the Foster the 4th program in 2016. Under the program, community members take dogs and cats into their homes for two weeks, including during 4th of July.
Besides leaving more available space in the shelter, the program also gives shelter animals a much-needed break from the stressful environment of the shelter.
“It’s really enriching for them to be able to go out and experience the home,” Megan Ignacio of Long Beach Animal Care Services said. “It’s quite beneficial for them because they can prepare them for adoption.”
If a household wants to keep their foster pet permanently after the program ends, they can fill out forms online, which can be processed without the animal having to go back to the shelter.
Those interested in fostering a pet for the 4th of July should email petfoster@longbeach.gov or visit bit.ly/3X1tH5N.
Residents can also meet the animals available for fostering in-person during the Foster the 4th program’s kick-off event at the shelter (7700 E Spring St.) on Friday, June 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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