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The membership association advises pet owners to consider their pets when planning Fourth of July celebrations.

KING, N.C. (June 26, 2018) — More than 216 million Americans plan to celebrate Fourth of July this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and preparations for fireworks displays, cookouts and parades are underway. But the holiday is not always a festive time for pets, Pet Sitters International (PSI) warns.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, advises pet owners to take precautions to ensure their pets have a safe and happy Independence Day.

“With the excitement of the celebration, it can be easy to forget that not all traditions are a good fit for pets,” explained PSI President Patti J. Moran.

PSI offers these simple tips to keep pets healthy and happy this Fourth of July:

1. Give pets a safe space. While many humans love fireworks, they can be terrifying for pets, and a neighborhood that is normally quiet but becomes busy and loud on the Fourth of July can also cause undue stress to pets. When fireworks are likely to go off in or near your neighborhood, be sure to keep your pet inside in a safe space. Close all doors and windows, and turn on the television or play calming music for your pet.

2. Make sure your pet wears an identification tag. Even if you plan to keep your pet inside over the Fourth of July holiday, make sure your pet is wearing a tag with your name and current contact information. If your pet somehow escapes the property in a moment of panic over loud noises from fireworks or other celebrations, an ID could be vital to ensuring you and your pet are reunited. You may also want to consider microchipping your pet.

3. Keep unsafe foods and decorations out of pets’ reach. If you are planning a holiday gathering or party, be sure to keep your pet away from the grill, as well as alcohol and any unsafe foods, and advise guests not to feed your pet. While you may be aware of substances that are bad for your pets—for example, chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions, avocado and bread dough—your guests may not be.

You should also take special care to keep your pet away from any décor that could cause harm if chewed on or ingested, as well as any used or unused fireworks, which may look tasty to pets due to their shiny or colorful wrappers. Also keep festive items like sparklers and glow sticks away from animals.

4. Leave your pet in good hands. If your Fourth of July plans will keep you away from home, your pet could benefit from the services of a professional pet sitter. Your pet will be happier at home—away from crowds, fireworks and loud noises. PSI advises pet owners to only use the services of professional pet sitters.

“When it comes to finding pet care, don’t prioritize convenience over quality,” said PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz. “Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn’t mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider.”

“In today’s sharing economy anyone can offer their services online, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional,” added Stultz.

Pet owners can download a free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist and search PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator free of charge at www.petsit.com/locate.

To learn more about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.

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