LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — The Fourth of July is just a few days away. As you make your plans for the holiday, don’t forget to include your pets. The holiday can be a stressful time for pets, causing them to run away.
Last year, The Animal Foundation took in nearly 600 lost animals between July 1 and July 10. This year, they’re hoping that number decreases significantly with more pet owners getting their furry loved ones microchipped.
One in three pets will become lost at some point during their life. Without proper identification, 82% will never return home. Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey said microchipping now is more important than ever with the holiday week approaching.
“It’s tough on pets during the 4 th of July with neighborhood fireworks that don’t even just go on that day but, unfortunately, all week long,” Grey explained. “You’re getting that noise in neighborhoods and so animals get scared, and they get out.”
A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique ID number. It is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the loose skin between a dog or cat’s shoulder blades. The device can greatly increase your chances of finding a pet.