PRESS RELEASE: Woods Humane Society Shares Summer Safety Tips for Pets Ahead of Fireworks
Woods Humane Society Shares Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Protect Dogs & Cats from Fireworks, High Temperatures, and Hot Cars
San Luis Obispo, CA (June 30, 2025) — With temperatures climbing and Fourth of July fireworks displays around the corner, Woods Humane Society encourages the community to prepare and protect their pets with the below Summer Safety Tips.
“Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy adventures with the whole family—including pets. However, high temperatures, hot cars, and fireworks displays (which frequently scare animals and result in lost pets) can threaten the lives of dogs and cats,” says Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux. “We encourage pet-lovers to beware of dangers and risks, and protect their animals this summer.”
Car Heat Safety:
- Temperatures in a car—even with the windows rolled down—become deadly for pets in a matter of minutes. Help us spread the word and save lives: Do not leave pets in cars on hot days!
- Make sure all pets are microchipped and wearing ID tags with current contact information. Woods offers microchips for $20 by appointment; please call Woods SLO at (805) 543-9316 ext. 12 or Woods North County at (805) 466-5403. Please note: Woods Humane Society is closed on the Fourth of July. Microchipping is also available at Animal Services for $27 on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00pm and Saturdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
- As shown in this Training Tip video, stay at home with pets and keep them indoors, in a safe, familiar environment.
- Secure all doors and windows.
- Drown out external noises and lights by playing the TV or radio and closing curtains.
- Make sure pets cannot harm themselves by chewing on unsafe household objects.
- Intermittently toss them treats to reinforce a more positive association with the noise.
- Consider using anxiety-reducing tools such as the Tellington Touch method or a Thundershirt.
- If your pets suffer from severe fireworks-induced anxiety, contact your vet in advance for recommendations regarding anti-anxiety medication.
- If you find a lost pet, leash and walk the pet around the neighborhood to see if anyone knows where they live.
- Take a picture of the animal and post it on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, Lost.PetcoLove.org, and Craigslist.com.
- Bring the animal to a vet or animal shelter to scan for a microchip.
- Complete a Found Animal Report on the SLO County website.
- If possible, hold on to and care for the animal for a few days; chances are the owner is nearby!
- Provide cool, well-ventilated spaces with plenty of shade and access to fresh water.
- Avoid exercising animals in hot weather and be careful not to walk them on hot pavement or sand.
- Look out for signs of heat stroke, such as fast panting, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, and lethargy.
- Be prepared for fires and other emergencies by preparing a Pet Emergency Kit.
For more information about what to do if you find or lose a pet, visit Woods’ Lost Pet Help resource page or Animal Services’ Report a Lost Pet page. For more information about Woods, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316. Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and at 2300 Ramona Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422.
For media inquiries or high-resolution images, please contact Media@woodshumane.org.
About Woods Humane Society
Founded in 1955, Woods Humane Society is a privately funded, non‐profit, animal sheltering and welfare organization that annually places more than 3,000 dogs and cats into loving homes. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to being placed for adoption. Visit www.woodshumane.org to view available animals, donate or learn more. To make an adoption appointment, call Woods Humane Society SLO, located at 875 Oklahoma Avenue in San Luis Obispo, at (805) 543-9316, or Woods Humane Society North County, located at 2300 Ramona Road in Atascadero, at (805) 466-5403.
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