Posted on: Sunday, July 3, 2005

ANIMAL COMPANIONS
4th of July festivities can spook your pets

Hawaiian Humane Society

The Hawaiian Humane Society reminds people that Fourth of July celebrations can frighten pets, and they may become lost if outdoors.

"Fireworks noise and lights can be scary for animals," says Pamela Burns, Hawaiian Humane Society president and CEO. "Keeping your animals indoors will keep them safe."

Try these precautions:

• Make sure your pets have identification. Animals found running at large should be taken to the Humane Society's 24-hour animal intake center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Call 946-2187 immediately if your pet is lost. Having current photos of your pet is also helpful. For dogs, a license is proof of ownership and should be attached to his collar.

• Resist taking your pet to fireworks displays. Most animals don't enjoy the holiday's noisy spectacles.

• Refrain from leaving your pet in the car. In addition to the danger posed by thieves, cars can heat up to a deadly temperature in minutes, even with windows partly opened.

• Keep your pet in a safe place indoors. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed on. Leave a radio or TV set on at normal volume to provide him or her with some companionship while you're attending the picnics and parades. If you can't keep your pet indoors, consider keeping him in an enclosed garage.

• If possible, do not leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Animals may panic, escape and get lost, or get injured by becoming entangled in their chain.

• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before the holiday for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays. Do not give your pets tranquilizers without consulting a vet.

The Hawaiian Humane Society is O'ahu's official lost-and-found center. Lost animals with some form of identification are held for a minimum of nine days before being made available for adoption. Animals without ID are held for a minimum of 48 hours.

Every year, the Hawaiian Humane Society reunites more than 4,000 lost animals with their owners. Pet identification has made a tremendous impact on reunions.

While microchips never need to be replaced if properly implanted, the information in the pet owner locator database needs to be current. The correct phone number and address allows the lost animals' families to be contacted as fast as possible. Call the society at 356-2225 to request a microchip update form.

For more on the society, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org. The Web site features a list of all programs, upcoming events and Pets of the Week, and photos of animals available for adoption.

ADOPTABLES Simone Tag No. 67262. At age 10, Simone enjoys the quiet life at home. A large neutered male with an unlikely name, he is comfortable around kids and other cats, and he loves to play ball. The adoption fee is waived (for those 60 or older) for Simone or any dog or cat age 6 or older. Scruff Tag No. 65555. Meet this big handsome blond! Scruff is a terrier mix with some Irish wolfhound in his heritage. At age 5, he is already neutered, has a microchip ID and is up to date on vaccinations. Scruff enjoys the company of other dogs and gentle people who can handle this imposing pet. These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events andto see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.