Animal shelters across the country see their intake spike as much as 30% in the first days of July — and it happens because a firework goes off two streets away and a dog that has never once tried to escape a yard suddenly clears a fence.
With July 4th falling on Saturday, Candace D’Agnolo, owner of Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium in downtown Galesburg, says this week is the most important time to prepare.
“The week before the holiday matters more than the night of,” D’Agnolo said on the latest episode of Midwest Pet Life, her weekly podcast on WGIL. “Get that microchip current, get a clear photo, check the fences, and decide now where your pet will spend the evening.”
Listen to the full episode with Candace D’Agnolo below:
Check identification now
D’Agnolo says pet owners should verify microchip registration is current, confirm ID tags are legible and secure, and have a recent photo on hand. Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium has free Find My Pet QR tags available in store while supplies last — the tags send a text to the owner and provide the location of whoever found the pet.
Prepare for the night
Walk your fence line this week for gaps or loose boards. On the night itself, keep pets in an interior room with blinds closed to block sound and flashes. Have calming tools ready before the fireworks start — melatonin, calming chews, anxiety wraps like Thundershirts, or CBD treats. For pets with severe anxiety, consult a veterinarian before the holiday.
If a pet gets loose
Search nearby dark, enclosed spaces first — under porches, beneath decks, in garages. Use a calm voice, carry high-value treats and an extra leash, and don’t run toward the animal. Contact local animal control immediately and post in community Facebook groups.
The full episode of Midwest Pet Life is available now at wgil.com, on Apple Podcasts, and on Spotify.
