July 5 busiest day at Denver area shelters for lost pets | Pets

 Many area animal shelters are dealing with the aftermath of July 4 fireworks today… a major increase in lost pets brought to its shelters.

According to the Dumb Friends League, the number of lost pets that are brought into its shelters nearly doubles on July 5. On an average day, the League receives approximately 25 lost pets between its two shelters (Quebec Street shelter in Denver and the Buddy Center in Castle Rock), and on July 5, 2010, the League received 47 lost pets, and they expect a similar increase this year.

“Many times the loud noise of fireworks frightens pets and causes them to run off,” says Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “We strongly encourage all pet owners who are missing their pet or pets to visit all area shelters immediately.”

The Metro Denver Shelter Alliance offers the following advice for pet owners who have lost their pet:

• Don’t assume your cat or dog will find its way home. Visit all area shelters as soon as possible. Metro Denver Shelter Alliance shelters in the metro Denver area include:

• Adams County Animal Shelter/Adoption Center, Brighton
• Aurora Animal Care Division/Shelter, Aurora
• Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, Denver
• Dumb Friends League, Denver
• Dumb Friends League Buddy Center, Castle Rock
• Foothills Animal Shelter, Golden
• Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Boulder
• Humane Society of the South Platte Valley, Littleton
• Intermountain Humane Society, Pine
• Longmont Humane Society, Longmont

• File a lost report and give a photo to each of these shelters in case someone brings the pet in later.
• Look around your neighborhood and post a flier, if your neighborhood allows it.
• Most importantly, act fast and don’t give up. Cat owners especially, don’t assume that your cat will find its way home. File a report immediately.
• To increase your chances of being reunited with your pet in the future, make sure your cat or dog is wearing a collar with current ID tags at all times, and consider getting a microchip ID implant for your pet from your veterinarian.

Press Release