Best Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips for Tri-Cities Residents

Before Bodhi, our other dogs didn't care about the fireworks. For years, we've lived in Richland, Prosser, and Kennewick and had no issues with the dogs running away.

Fireworks Frighten Thousands of Pets Every July 4th—Don't Let Yours Be One

We got Bodhi four years from Pronto Puppy, and boy, he hates fireworks. He shakes and shivers, and if he could wear your skin, he would.

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We've done our best to keep him calm, and this year we've decided to go out of town to get him away from the fireworks.

So what can you do here in the Tri-Cities if your dogs or cats hate the fireworks?

First thing, keep your pets inside the house. Fireworks are one of the biggest reasons pets run away. Bring dogs and cats inside well before fireworks begin and keep them in a secure room.

Next, create a secure place for them. Set them in their own room with all their favorite toys, blankets, and beds.

Make sure your tags are current.

Double-check that your pet is wearing a collar with current identification tags. If they're microchipped, verify your contact information is up to date

Exercise your dog early. Sometimes an exhausted dog will sleep through the fireworks.

Keep them leashed even in your backyard, and don't take them to a fireworks show.

You can also talk to your vet about some other ideas to keep your best pal safe.

If your pet does go missing:

If you live in Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland, contact Tri-Cities Animal Services as soon as possible. They handle stray dogs and many lost-and-found reports for the three cities.

Contact the Benton County Sheriff's Office to report a lost or found pet if you're outside city limits.

Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for assistance with stray animal reports in unincorporated areas.

I hope these tips help you out. I'm packing the car now and heading to the woods so our dog Bodhi can have a little bit of peace.

Happy 4th of July.