Salinas Animal Services reducing fees for scared and lost pets in July

As July 4 th is quickly approaching, Salinas Animal Services wants to remind residents to start thinking about their pet’s safety as they make plans for the holiday. Each year, the shelter fills up with lost and scared pets weeks before and after the noisy holiday and many go unclaimed, city officials said.

To encourage owners to reclaim their pets, Salinas Animal Services will be reducing and waiving fees July 1st through July 11 th . This includes boarding fees, city impound fees and late license penalties. Pets that are currently licensed, vaccinated and spayed or neutered may receive additional discounts. Free microchips are also available for all pets reclaimed during this time.

To protect your pet on the 4th of July, Salinas Animal Services, along the Humane Society of the United States, recommend that you take these precautions:

* Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.

* Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

* Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

* Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

* Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

* If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

* If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, make plans to have someone watch your pets so that they remain safe while you are away. Make sure that person knows where to look if the pet becomes lost and to alert you if the pet is missing. Don’t wait!

Search your local animal shelter as soon as you determine that your pet is lost.

Pets without I.D. are only held for 3 business days. Animals found lost within the City limits of Salinas and Marina will be taken to Salinas Animal Services located at 144 Hitchcock Road in Salinas (the second shelter on Hitchcock). Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday from 12-5pm or you can call 831-758-7285. The website is updated each hour: www.SalinasAnimals.com