Animal Foundation’s Fourth of July Pet Intake Climbs to 138, With Owners Still Searching

The Animal Foundation has now taken in 138 animals since the Fourth of July, and shelter officials say the number is likely to keep rising. Of those animals, 101 were lost pets separated from their families when fireworks sent them running, according to updated figures the shelter released Monday.

That total is well above the 93 animals reported over the weekend, when intake was still climbing. The shelter said the remaining animals in the updated count are strays, confiscations, and owner surrenders unrelated to the holiday.

Some families have already had happy endings. As previously reported, Sammy Toles got his dog Princess back and Ken Gill was reunited with his dog Fonzie, both of whom bolted after being spooked by fireworks.

Many owners are still searching. The Animal Foundation is waiving pet reclaim fees through July 10 to help make reunions easier during the surge, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Shelter staff recommend acting fast if a pet is missing. The first 24 to 72 hours give owners the best chance of finding a lost dog or cat.

The Animal Foundation suggests walking the neighborhood, checking with neighbors, and confirming that a pet’s microchip contact information is current. Owners should also upload photos to lost and found groups on Nextdoor, Facebook, and Petco Love Lost.

Anyone who finds a stray dog is asked to keep it in the neighborhood where it was found rather than driving it across town. The shelter said pets are far more likely to be reunited with their families when they stay close to home.

Residents searching for a lost pet or reporting a found one can check The Animal Foundation’s lost and found page online or call the shelter’s Pet Support Hotline at 702-760-PETS.