PHOENIX — For many, the fireworks going off to ring in the new year is a happy start to 2024. Bur for animals, the fireworks can cause panic — and some may even run away.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is seeing dozens of dogs brought in every day. And with fireworks in the forecast for New Year's and probably a few days after, the shelter knows more will be coming in.
"We've been seeing a pretty steady intake for the last several months," spokesperson Kim Powell said.
But luckily for pet owners, MCACC has a website that show every dog reported lost, and every dog that animal control has picked up across the county.
"We're expecting a high intake," Powell said. "So we want people to make sure that if you do lose your pet, come to the shelter right away."
The website includes information about the animals as well as a photo to search. And, if your dog is chipped — which MCACC recommends — they scan pets for a chip and try to find the owner.
"We'll send a carrier pigeon if we have to," Powell said. "We try everything."
But before all that, officials say try to keep your dog inside so that they can't run off. If they do, contact the shelter as soon as you can.
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