Ahead of July 4, Dallas Animal Services is offering microchips and ID tags to residents.
The event is designed to help owners mitigate the effects of July 4 fireworks, which can cause pets to become distressed and sometimes run away.
“While fireworks may be a source of joy for some, they can be a source of terror for many pets,” said interim Director of Animal Services Paul Ramon in a release. “Our goal is to prevent the distress of a lost pet by ensuring as many pets as possible are chipped and tagged. This will enable us to swiftly reunite them with their owners, alleviating the strain on our current overcapacity situation at DAS.”
With a suggested donation to DAS of $4, residents can receive a microchip, collar and custom engraved ID tag for their pets. The handout will take place on July 2 and July 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m at the main DAS shelter, located at 1818 N Westmoreland Road. Pets must accompany their owners to receive a microchip, but do not need to come for a collar or ID tag. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and cats must be kept in a carrier.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, fireworks “can startle animals and cause them to run away.” To prevent this, the AVMA recommends keeping pets inside in a safe, escape-proof room. In addition, it is recommended that owners have up-to-date pictures of their animals and take steps to ensure fencing is secure.
