Protect your pet this July Fourth

  • How to keep your pets safe during July Fourth celebrations.
    • Young-Williams Animal Center does not recommend bringing pets to a Fourth of July party where fireworks might be used.
    • Fireworks and loud noises can cause pets to become frightened or disoriented.
    • Keep your pets inside when fireworks are being set off.
    • Turn on calming music or a fan to muffle the noise.
    • Distract your pets with indoor playtime.
    • Never use fireworks around pets.
    • When celebrating outside, do not apply sun protection or insect repellent to your pet that is not specifically labeled for use on animals.
    • Always keep flammable items including sparklers, matches or lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach, as well as citronella candles, insect coils or tiki torch oil products.
  • Don’t let your pet go missing – microchip!
    • Microchips are like ID tags that never fall off.
    • A tiny chip is implanted under your pet’s skin in a quick and painless procedure.
    • The chip’s unique code links your contact information to a database, making it easier to reunite with your pet if you get separated.
    • Animal control, shelter staff and veterinarians can scan the chip’s code to identify a pet’s owner.
    • For $15, you can microchip your pet at Young-Williams Animal Center.
    • Call us at 865-215-6654 to make an appointment.
    • For more information, visit young-williams.org.
  • What to do if you’ve lost or found a pet.
    • More pets go missing on July Fourth than any other day of the year.
    • Young-Williams Animal Center often experiences increased intake in the days after the holiday.
    • We can help if your pet has wandered off or if you’ve found a pet.
    • If your pet is lost, go to young-williams.org/lost-found for a list of steps, including visiting the shelter, contacting local veterinarians and searching on social media.
    • Start your search with us! As the official shelter of Knoxville and Knox County, many strays come through our doors.
    • Young-Williams Animal Center Lost & Found and Knoxville Lost & Found Pets Facebook groups also are great resources. You can search for or post a lost pet on a national database at petcolove.org.
    • Check the shelter and these groups regularly.
    • If you find a pet, search for its owners in your neighborhood – pets are usually found near their homes.
    • Knox County and City of Knoxville residents can bring the lost pet to Young-Williams Animal Center or call Animal Control for assistance.
    • Social media groups also are a huge help if you’re trying to reunite a pet and their person.