News Release

City encourages pet safety for the July 4th holiday

The Animal Services Division of the City of Moreno Valley is urging pet owners to ensure that their canine and feline family members are safe and secure for the upcoming July 4th holiday.

On average, 10-13 families visit the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter each day looking for a lost family pet. After July 4th 2007, nearly 70 families came to the Shelter in search of animals that had gotten loose over the holiday. Sadly, the number of deceased pets picked up by the City’s Animal Services Staff increases significantly each year during and directly following the holiday.

“The sound of fireworks and the commotion that are a part of the July 4th celebrations can cause stress and fear in animals,” said Sheri Peek, Animal Care Technician Supervisor. “More pets get lost at this time than any other time of the year. Unfortunately many suffer injuries and even death because they get scared or disoriented and run out in front of cars,” she said.

Safety tips to keep your pet secure this holiday include the following:

• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars with their owners’ contact information.
• Even indoor pets need identification in case they do get outside; they are more likely to get confused and lost if they do get out of the house.
• Nervous pets should be kept in a quiet, familiar place where they will feel safe and secure. Bedrooms are typically comfortable places for pets, and turning on a television will help reduce loud noises.
• Always make sure fences and gates are secure.
• Pet owners concerned about how their pet may react should stay home with them.

Anyone looking for their lost pet should visit the Animal Shelter daily; descriptions provided over the phone are not always accurate. Lost pets are also posted on the City’s Web site at www.moreno-valley.ca.us.

For more information, contact the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter at 951.413.3790. The Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is located at 14041 Elsworth Street. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.