FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

July 4Th Can be one of the MOST STRESSFUL DAYS of the year for pets in New York City

AC&C warns owners to protect their pets during the holiday Weekend
 

(New York) June 28, 2010 – Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) today released tips for a safe July 4th weekend for New Yorkers and their patriotic pets.

“July 4th is a time for summer fun with family and friends, but it can be a time of stress for companion animals,” said Julie Bank, AC&C executive director. According to Bank, pets can become stressed from fireworks associated with the July 4 holiday and crowded events may also cause stress to pets, increasing their chances of fleeing and being lost.

“Fortunately, with a little planning, pet owners can enjoy the festivities and be reassured that their companion animals are kept safe and stress-free,” said Bank.

AC&C offers the following tips to keep your four-legged friends safe and ready to celebrate.

    •       Setting off fireworks is illegal in New York City, so enjoy them as a spectator. If you are going to see live fireworks displays, leave pets at home. The crowds, commotion, and thunderous sounds can be stressful for even the most fun-loving pets. Dogs in stressful situations may also bite.
    •       Make sure your pets are safely at home in a quiet, secure area and provide them with familiar toys, blankets or beds. A crate or a room will help keep dogs and cats who want to be left alone happy.
    •       Never leave dogs outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tie-out. A fearful dog may become entangled, risking choking or death. In their fear, pets that normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and get lost.
    •       Always ensure that your pets have appropriate current identification so if they do get lost, they can be returned promptly.  All dogs in NYC are required to be licensed.  For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/health.   

            What to do if your pet gets lost:

    •       You should file a lost report with AC&C immediately. You can do this by calling 212-788-4000 or filing a report on-line at www.nycacc.org .
    •       Visit an AC&C shelter to check for your animal.  We recommend that you check with the shelter in person every 48 hours or more often if possible.
            Manhattan: 326 East 110th Street
            Brooklyn: 2336 Linden Blvd
            Staten Island: 3139 Veteran’s Road West.
    •       Post flyers within a one-mile radius of where your pet was last seen.  You may consider posting in pet supply stores, veterinarian’s offices, animal shelters, and community bulletin boards.

 

Animal Care & Control of NYC
Animal Care & Control of New York City rescues over 43,000 animals each year, making the organization the largest pet rescue and adoption agency in the Northeast. Since 1995, the not-for-profit organization has been responsible for New York City's municipal shelter system, caring for rescued animals and finding loving homes for homeless, injured, neglected, abused and abandoned animals in all five of the boroughs in New York City.