Keep Your Philly Pup Safe This 4th of July: Fireworks and the Power of an ID Tag

The 4th of July might be a time for barbecues, sparklers, and neighborhood block parties, but for many dogs in Philadelphia, it’s one of the scariest nights of the year. (And it feels like the fireworks go on for days before and after the actual holiday. For the love of DOG, can we stop the endless days of booms?)

🎆 Why Fireworks Are a Big Deal for Dogs

The loud booms and flashing lights of fireworks can send even the calmest pups into a panic. Dogs don’t understand what’s happening, and their sensitive hearing makes these noises feel especially overwhelming. Every year, pets slip collars, bolt through doors, or dig under fences in search of safety.

🚨 What Happens When Dogs Go Missing?

Here in Philadelphia, ACCT Philly (our city’s open-intake animal shelter) sees a heartbreaking increase in lost pets every 4th of July. Many of these dogs arrive with no collar or ID tag, making it much harder to get them back home quickly. ACCT Philly stresses that a simple ID tag is the fastest way to reunite lost pets with their families.

🏷️ Prioritize ID Tags

One of the first things we did after adopting Tui from Street Tails Animal Rescue was to get his ID tag made.

Even if your dog is microchipped, an easy-to-read ID tag with your phone number allows anyone who finds your pet to call you on the spot, with no scanner or vet visit needed. What if your dog is lost when most veterinarian offices are closed? (Like on a holiday weekend?) If someone finds your dog, you want them to be able to get in touch with you immediately. Would you rather them take your dog to a scary shelter to wait as a "stray" or would you like them to give you a call? And yes, dogs should wear ID even when indoors. The unthinkable often happens at moments we do not expect it.

And if your dog doesn’t yet have an ID tag, today is the day. You can get one made at most pet supply stores and they can be printed on-demand. No need to wait for one to arrive in the mail. (We just had one printed for our newly adopted pup a few weeks ago. We did it the same day we formally adopted him.)

✅ 5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe on July 4th

1. Walk early – Get your pup’s energy out before the fireworks start.

2. Stay indoors – Keep dogs safely inside and secure all exits.

3. Use background noise – Play calming music, TV, or a white noise machine.

4. Create a cozy den – Use a crate, blankets, or their favorite bed in a quiet room.

5. Double check tags & leashes – Make sure your contact info is up to date.

❤️ Let’s Look Out for Each Other

As a local dog walking team serving Philadelphia for over 20 years, we care deeply about our community’s pups. We encourage all pet parents to act now: get that ID tag if you've been putting it off, plan to make accommodations to keep your pup comfortable, and spread the word.

Let’s make this 4th of July a safe one for every Philly dog.