San Antonio Animal Care Services is offering pet owners tips to protect their furry friends during the Independence Day holiday weekend.

• According to a news release, SAACS reminds pet owners that pets do not like noises and, depending where they are located at the time of Fourth of July celebrations, may be subject to sounds emanating from fireworks displays.


• SAACS said dogs and cats can become frightened by various noises, especially in the evening. The city urges pet owners to keep their pets home in a quiet, secured place.


• SAACS said a pet may run away because of loud noises and commotion, which may put the animal at risk of getting hit by a car or becoming picked up by SAACS officers.


• City officials said a pet should be microchipped, which contains a pet owner’s address and phone number.


• SAACS reminds pet owners not to leave pets unattended outside, even in a fenced yard, because nervous pets could overreact to loud noises and dig a hole, get entangled in their tether or lost elsewhere around their owner’s residence.


• The city reminds partygoers to never leave their pet alone in a car, even for a few minutes. SAACS said it has seen cases where pets have been left in vehicles while their families enjoyed local amusement parks and attractions. This is illegal and a cracked window does nothing to eliminate the heat buildup, the city said.


• SAACS said if holiday revelers are going to try and feed their pet human food keep such amount of scraps to a minimum. The city urges pet owners to stay away from bones and keep it simple. For example, watermelon can be offered so long as the pet owner removes seeds and rind. Alcohol can be fatal to a dog and should never be given to any animal, SAACS said.


• The city reminds pet owners to keep pets safe around the barbecue pit.


• If a pet owner is attending a party with their furry companion or is hosting a celebration, designate a closed-off spot inside the house to give your pet peace and quiet, complete with toys, treats, fresh food and water, maybe even a crate.


• SAACS reminds pet owners to keep their companions safe from the risk of pranksters, even if some people characterize their prank as harmless. Bring outdoor pets indoors, at least for the evening. The city said SAACS will investigate anyone suspected of cruelly treating any animal.


• SAACS reminds pet owners to seek their veterinarian’s advice on any other ways to help soothe their pet’s nerves.


• *The city said SAACS’ main campus at 4710 Hwy. 151 will be closed, but animal care officers will be on duty. All pet-related calls can still be phoned into 311.

It is illegal for residents to use or have fireworks within the San Antonio city limits, the city added.

Bexar County officials said the sale and use of fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” or “missiles with fins” are prohibited in the county. All other legally sold consumer fireworks can still be used, county officials said.