As the sounds of fireworks echoed across the region during the Fourth of July weekend—both legal and illegal—local animal shelters quickly found themselves overwhelmed with lost pets, many of whom fled their homes in fear.
Facilities such as the Bradshaw Animal Shelter and Sacramento’s Front Street Animal Shelter are reporting surges in stray intakes following the holiday, with dozens of dogs brought in after being spooked by loud fireworks displays.
The Bradshaw Animal Shelter, which serves all of Sacramento County, says it has taken in at least 37 lost pets since the holiday. Meanwhile, Front Street Animal Shelter has reported more than 30 dogs arriving since Friday alone, all appearing to have bolted from their homes due to fireworks.
Now, shelters across the area are working to reunite lost pets with their families and are waiving all reclaim fees through Thursday, July 10. Typically, these fees can run between $200 and $300.
To assist in reunification efforts, Bradshaw Animal Shelter has been actively posting photos of lost dogs on its social media accounts since the weekend. Officials also urge pet owners to visit shelters in person and check online lost and found listings.
For those searching for their pets, shelter staff say that many reunions have occurred after owners shared photos on neighborhood social media platforms such as Nextdoor, or posted flyers around their community.
Bradshaw Animal Shelter is located at 3839 Bradshaw Road. Though the facility is closed on Mondays, anyone who believes their pet may be there is encouraged to call 311 for assistance retrieving the animal. Regular hours resume Tuesday at noon.
To report a lost pet, dial 311 and complete the lost animal form if prompted.
As shelters deal with temporary overcrowding and pet owners search for their missing companions, local officials continue to urge residents to keep their pets indoors and secured during firework displays—especially as illegal fireworks continue to be a problem across the region.
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