LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Animal Foundation is calling on the community once again for help.
Friday and Saturday, they are waiving all adoption fees in a major push to clear the shelter ahead of the Fourth of July, as fireworks often lead to scared dogs escaping from their homes and ending up in the shelter. It is usually their busiest week of the year.
“Fireworks aren’t just on July 4th, they are all week long, so we are going to have a huge influx of animals,” explained Kelsey Pizzi with the Animal Foundation.
This month, the Animal Foundation has already been pushed past capacity. They lined the hallways with pop-up cages, making space anywhere they could. The community then answered their call for help.
“A few weeks ago, we were able to send a lot of animals home with adopters which was fantastic. We were able to clear up a lot of space in the shelter. The problem is, every day we are getting in new animals,” reported Pizzi.
Since May, they’ve been taking in about 100 animals a day, with 127 on Wednesday alone. They need to free up space ahead of the holiday or they could surpass capacity again.
“A majority of animals that come into our shelter, I’d say about 70 percent, are lost pets,” Pizzi revealed.
The Animal Foundation says to make sure your pet is in an escape-proof space ahead of any fireworks over the next week and to make sure they can easily get back home if they do get out.
“The most important thing you can do before the Fourth of July, make sure your pet has a collar and a tag that is up to date, but also make sure your pet is microchipped and that if you have moved or you have a new phone number that is also up to date,” Pizzi stated.
Fostering an animal for a few weeks is also an option, but Pizzi contends adopting and adding a furry member to the family is a decision you likely won’t regret.
“You will never forget the day you adopt your new pet. They will follow you to the bathroom, they will be the star of your holiday cards, and you will probably wonder how you ever lived without them,” Pizzi asserted.
Here are the event details:
- All adoptable animals in the shelter are fee-waived Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29.
- Every adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, and a microchip!
- A $10 license fee may apply.
- 655 North Mojave Road, 11a.m. to 7p.m.
Note: There is usually a line before opening, and the adoption line may close early if capacity is reached.
Here is other advice ahead of the Fourth of July from the Animal Foundation:
𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 If your pet does become lost, a collar, tag, and microchip will identify you as the owner. This can lead to a much faster reunion. Make sure the information on the tag and microchip is up to date.
𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 Provide your pet with a safe space. A crate is best, but a garage, bathroom, or closet can also work. Turn on the TV or music to compete with outside sounds.
𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 For extra anxious dogs, you can visit your veterinarian to ask about anti-anxiety medication.
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