Greenhill: Pet Safety for Fourth of July Celebrations 

Fireworks and neighborhood noises may cause stress for animals

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Greenhill Humane Society wants to remind pet parents of the importance of keeping pets safe indoors and updating identification tags.

“Fourth of July should be a fun day for everyone, including pets,” said Sarah Bouzad, Greenhill’s Community Engagement & Events Manager. “Unfortunately, the loud noises from fireworks can cause panic, confusion, and stress for pets which can lead to them getting out and getting lost. It’s important to ensure your pet is safe inside and that they are wearing up-to-date identification tags in case they end up running outside. If someone loses their pet or finds a lost animal, check in with Greenhill Humane Society and call your local animal control agency.” 

Loud noises, especially over prolonged periods of time, can frighten and confuse animals. While some pets don’t seem to mind, others hide, tremble, or run away. When they are in that state of fear a screen door or fence might not stop a dog that is trying to get away. Unfortunately, every year at this time, many pets and their people get separated.  

“Unfortunately, the loud noises from fireworks can cause panic, confusion, and stress for pets which can lead to them getting out and getting lost. … If someone loses their pet or finds a lost animal, check in with Greenhill and call your local animal control agency.” 

– Sarah Bouzad, Community Engagement & Events Manager, Greenhill Humane Society

Greenhill Humane Society is the stray intake shelter for most of Lane County. If your pet is missing, check the shelter’s website, www.green-hill.org, fill out an online lost report at www.green-hill.org/lostreport or call 541-689-1503. The shelter’s website is updated in real time as animals are brought to the facility. Greenhill will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Fourth of July. 

The Eugene City Council has voted in favor of a ban on the use of fireworks within city limits for 2023. 

In an effort to keep pets safe at home, Greenhill is offering these tips for pet owners:   

• Do not bring your pet to fireworks displays.  

• When fireworks are being used, keep pets indoors. Scared pets may dig under or climb fences, or break through gates when spooked by the sound of fireworks.  

• Keep your pet in a quiet room, play calming music, turn on a fan, or provide other background noise to help soothe them. Shut the windows and curtains and use treats to distract a scared animal. 

• For pets that are extremely stressed by fireworks, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss medications and other alternatives to help calm your pet before the holiday.  

• Make sure your pet is wearing current identification, even if they are kept inside. A tag with a current phone number can get your pet home much faster. Greenhill recommends a microchip for your pet, in case their collar comes off. If your pet is microchipped, verify that your information is up to date. Visit AAHA Microchip search, to find out how to contact your pet’s microchip manufacturer to update microchip information. 

If you have lost or found a pet, in addition to contacting Greenhill Humane Society, contact your local animal control office:

• Cottage Grove – Cottage Grove Police Department: 541-942-9145
• Eugene – Eugene Animal Services: 541-687-4060
• Unincorporated Lane County – Lane County Animal Services: 541-682-3645
• Springfield – Springfield Animal Control/Police Dept.: 344 A Street: 541-726-3634
• Veneta – Veneta Animal Control/City Hall: 88184 8th street: 541-935-2191 

Report Lost and Found Pets on-line at www.green-hill.org/lostreport 

Learn more at www.green-hill.org/lost_and_found_reports.  

To learn more about Greenhill Humane Society or tips on keeping your pets safe on Fourth of July, visit www.green-hill.org.  

About Greenhill Humane Society
Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. We envision a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect.  In 2022, Greenhill sheltered and cared for 3,691 animals. Greenhill dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, receive recommended vaccinations, and are microchipped. To learn more visit www.green-hill.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.