Twin Fall’s Humane Society Warns Pet Owners As 2018 Approaches

The sight of that tiny, red, wooden structure in the Jimmy John's parking lot brought me great joy as I drove north on Blue Lakes Boulevard this morning. As much excitement as fireworks provide for us during the holidays, it's important to remember that we need to act responsibly, and take precautions, prior to lighting those wicks.

With 2018 now right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the impact fireworks have on our family pets. Every year thousands of animals are injured or displaced as a result of holiday celebrations. Not properly preparing your pets for the sights and sounds of that sexy combination of aluminum and gunpowder, can result in trouble.

"Pets get very nervous during the holidays, and they often get out of yards," said Mallory Leazer, a behavioralist with the Twin Fall's Humane Society.

Pet owners who don't have their animals properly identified run an even greater risk, according to Leazer.

"The animals we get during the holidays we hold for a 72-hour stray period. If they're not picked up, we put them up for adoption. We alternate shifts so we can keep them fed, blanketed and with water," said Leazer.

There are a number of things people can do to keep their animals calm during celebrations involving fireworks. Keeping them inside and supervised are two simple precautions. And for those pets that get really anxious during loud celebrations, we can go one step further.

"Prescriptions for calming pills, or anxiety meds, are common practices too," said Leazer.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact the Twin Fall's Humane Society at 208-736-2299.