Protecting Your Pet on Fourth of July, Oregon Coast-Style

Published 06/19/25 at 5:15 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – For pets, the Fourth of July is no holiday. While it's true some dogs, cats and others shrug off the explosions as if they don't even exist, for many dogs it's a kind of Halloween come true.

The Fourth is also a popular holiday for the ocean areas of Washington and Oregon, and two experts from the coastline weighed in on how to keep your pet safe over the Fourth.

The Oregon Coast Humane Society (OCHS) in Florence is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to safeguard their animals during Fourth of July celebrations. The organization warns that fireworks and holiday festivities often result in heightened anxiety for pets and contribute to a significant increase in lost animal reports each year.

To reduce risks, OCHS advises owners to ensure their pets wear collars with identification tags and are microchipped with up-to-date contact information. Keeping pets indoors in a quiet, secure space away from windows is also recommended, as outdoor environments can exacerbate stress and increase the likelihood of escape.

Pet owners are encouraged to use calming tools such as white noise, soothing music, anxiety wraps, or prescribed medications for animals known to be particularly sensitive to noise.

Securing all exits, including doors, fences, and gates, can help prevent pets from fleeing if startled. OCHS emphasizes that animals should never be brought to fireworks shows or crowded events, no matter how well-behaved they may seem.

With Florence and the rest of the Oregon and Washington coast expecting a surge in visitors over the holiday, those traveling with pets are reminded to remain vigilant. Animals should be transported in secure crates or carriers and kept on leashes when outside. Travelers should also identify the location of the nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter before arriving in town. Leaving pets in vehicles, even briefly, is strongly discouraged, as car temperatures can climb rapidly and pose fatal risks - even on cooler days.

“Even calm pets can panic at the sound of fireworks,” said OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson. “A few simple steps can prevent heartbreak and keep your pet safe.”

Up in the Tillamook Coast area, Visit Tillamook Coast executive director Nan Devlin said she has two goldies: one that doesn't care about the noise and the other one that goes bonkers.

This is a time when a simple beach trip during the day can be a hazard, no matter how you take care of your dog at night during the big show. People all around the coast will be firing them in daylight as well.

“Keep them close,” Devlin said. “Or stay home and watch fireworks on TV.”

She also noted locals and visitors alike can lose their dogs for a time.

“4th of July is when most dogs get lost,” Devlin told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “The next day FB is filled with pictures of missing dogs.”

Thompson said in the event a pet goes missing or a lost animal is found, OCHS urges community members to call (541) 997-4277 immediately. Social media can also be an effective tool; posting recent photos and key information can greatly improve the chances of a swift reunion.

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