Featured image: Eugene relaxes at Animal Aid, a no-kill shelter in southwest Portland, Oregon. He’s looking for a home. Learn more about him at animalaidpdx.org/adopt. (photo by Cheryl Landes)

Watching the fireworks is a favorite holiday tradition for humans in the U.S. on Independence Day, July 4. But for the furry friends in our lives, it’s a scary experience.

In the U.S., July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, according to The Bissell Pet Foundation. That’s because dogs and cats become frightened from the loud fireworks shows and run away. The noise from the fireworks hurt their sensitive ears, so they try to escape to a quiet place. Often they hide somewhere to feel protected.

Then they get lost and can’t find their way home.

On July 4-6 alone, animal shelters have a 30% increase in intakes. A staggering 7.6 million animals are lost each year. Of those, only 26% of lost dogs are reunited with their owners, and 35% of lost animals are euthanized.

There are ways to keep your pets comfortable and safe during the holiday. Here are a few tips from the Bissell Pet Foundation.

For more information about pet safety and helping dogs and cats find a forever home, visit bissellpetfoundation.org.

Bernadette loves to hang out at the reception desk at Animal Aid in Portland, Oregon. She’s looking for her forever home. Learn more about her at animalaidpdx.org/adopt. (photo by Cheryl Landes)