AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Valley Humane Society officials urge community members to keep their pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations. According to a KVHS release, this holiday can be frightening for pets and can result in lost animals arriving at the shelter in need.

“The 4th of July is a wonderful time of celebration for families and friends, but can also be a dangerous time for pets. Our team wants to help educate community members with animals to be aware they may become frightened of fireworks and run away and become lost. Every year on the 5th of July and days following many lost animals are brought into our shelter” said Hillary Roberts, KVHS executive director, according to the release.

Fireworks can frighten animals and the can run off and later become disoriented and lost. KVHS recommends keeping cats or dogs indoors and away from open or screened windows. Other calming measures include leaving a TV, radio, or familiar noise on while families are away to provide comfort to pets during fireworks.

Roberts goes on to say that about 50 percent of lost or stray dogs are reclaimed by owners every year from KVHS and only about 10 percent of cats. Under State of Maine law, KVHS must keep cats for two days and dogs for seven before legally owning them and having the opportunity to provide them with spay/neuter surgery and adopt them with new families.

Roberts and KVHS team members also urge community members to have proper ID information on pet’s collars or to microchip their pets. Microchips are small chips inserted into an animal’s skin that can easily be scanned to find owners contact information at local shelters or veterinarian offices. These chips can be placed in pets at vet offices or at KVHS for shelter pets.

“Having proper ID on your pet is critical. It can mean the difference between a beloved pet languishing in a shelter or being quickly returned to a family. All dogs and cats that spend time outdoors should have ID on at all times” said Roberts, according to the release.

For more information, call Kennebec Valley Humane Society at 626-3491 or visit pethavenlane.org.