EUGENE, OREGON – (June 29, 2022) – Greenhill Humane Society wants to remind pet parents of the importance of keeping pets safe and making sure identification information is up to date as the loud sounds and fireworks that come along with the Fourth of July holiday often leave pets stressed.

“We want everyone to have fun at their 4^th of July celebrations and that includes pets,” say Megan Burroughs, Greenhill’s Community Engagement & Humane Education Manager. “Most pets find fireworks unpleasant causing confusion and panic. It’s important to ensure your pet is safe inside with curtains drawn and music playing to help keep them calm. If someone loses their pet or finds a lost animal, 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.

Greenhill Humane Society is the stray intake shelter for most of Lane County. If your pet is missing, please check the shelter’s website, www.green-hill.org, 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 in the areas south of 18th avenue and east of Agate Street within city limits for 2022.

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, including outdoor cats. Scared pets may dig under fences, 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 and accurate identification, even if they are kept inside. A tag with a working 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. To update microchip information, visit AAHA Microchip search, to find out how to contact your pet’s microchip manufacturer.

If you have lost or found a pet, immediately 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

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.