Fireworks lit up the sky over Southwest Florida Friday night as locals celebrated the Fourth of July. While the display thrilled many residents, it was a different story for some pets.
Those loud booms can be frightening for animals, sometimes causing them to run away. According to the American Kennel Club, animal shelters often see a 30% to 60% increase in lost pet intakes between July 4 and July 6.
So, what should you do if your pet bolted after the fireworks, or if you found a runaway pet?
WINK News reporter Maddie Herron discovered that Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties have made it easy to report lost or found pets through their government websites.
For Lee County, under the Animal Services tab, there are options for both lost and found pets. The county posts all animals that have been found, and if your pet is not listed, you are encouraged to fill out a lost pet notice.
In Charlotte County, there is a form available for reporting a found animal or if you have lost your pet. The county also recommends filing a lost and found report with local shelters.
In Collier County, the process is straightforward under Domestic Animal Services. Simply select the "Found or Lost a Pet" option.
For more information, visit the respective county websites to ensure your pet's safe return.