SAN ANTONIO -- The folks at Animal Care Services are reminding San Antonio pet owners to be aware of the effects Fourth of July festivities can have on pets.

ACS says pets can become very frightened by all the noise and commotion on July 4th, so pet owners should plan ahead and take some precautions to help make Independence Day a festive one for every member of your family.

Animal Care Services offers the following tips to protect your pet this Fourth of July holiday:

• Pets don’t like loud noises. Some area towns are still scheduled to hold official fireworks displays but these events are no place for pets. Leave them at home in a secured, quiet area where they will be safe.
• Give your pet some peace and quiet. A closed off area inside your home can be a blessing for a pet nervous about all the noise and commotion associated with the Fourth. Remember! Some pets get destructive when they’re frightened so be sure to remove anything your pet could destroy. Try to provide some toys to occupy your pet while you’re out. If your pet is crate trained, make sure they can curl up inside if they get scared. Fresh food and water are a must and a treat or two wouldn’t hurt either!
• Never leave your pet in the car while you enjoy the party. The South Texas heat can kill. It takes only minutes for the temperature in your car to soar over 120 degrees. Pets left in cars, even with a cracked window, can quickly become stressed by the heat. Please don’t risk your pet’s life.
• NEVER leave pets unattended outside, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Pets can overreact when they’re scared and that dog who’d never leave your yard before could easily dig a hole under the fence to escape the noise. Fear of the fireworks and outside gatherings can also cause your pet to become dangerously entangled in their tether.
• Protect your pet from pranksters. Many animal cruelty cases start out as what some consider “harmless pranks.” But there’s nothing harmless about shooting fireworks at a pet. Bring outdoors pets indoors, at least for the evening. Animal Care Services will investigate anyone suspected of cruelly treating any animal.
• A collar and microchip ID can help your pet get back home if they get lost. Roaming animals stand the risk of being picked up by the city’s Animal Care Officers. Your pet’s ID is more than their ticket home, city licenses are the law.

CLICK HERE to visit the ACS website.