10/09/2026
‼️FIREWORKS ALERT‼️
Capitola will have a fireworks show on Sunday, October 11, at 8 pm. If you live or will be visiting nearby, please take steps to keep your pets safe!
Startled by fireworks, pets may panic and flee their homes or yards, or pull out of collars or harnesses, even if they've "been okay" with fireworks in the past.
Keep your pet safe by making sure they're always wearing a visible, current ID tag. A well-fitted collar and tag with your contact information is the easiest, quickest way for neighbors or the animal shelter to get you and your pet reunited! Writing your phone number on your pet’s collar with a Sharpie is a quick alternative!
Here are some other ways to protect your pet:
1. Make sure they’re microchipped! Microchips provide permanent identification that can protect your pet for the rest of their life - just be sure you register with the chip company as the owner.
2. Stay home — and keep pets inside, if possible! The safest place for pets during fireworks is safely at home with you. If you won’t be home, consider finding someone to pet-sit. If you must bring your pet to an event, make sure their collar or harness fits and their leash is secure. Please don’t leave your pet outside alone, even if they are in a fenced yard, as they may panic and dig, jump or push their way out when distressed.
3. Create a safe space: Create a space in your home that is sheltered from noise and bright lights. Make sure all windows are secure, and that there are no escape routes for your pet. Keep your pet comfortable by closing blinds, covering their crate, if they use one, and playing calming sounds or keeping a radio or television on.
4. If you know your pet responds poorly to fireworks, you live in or near Capitola, and you have calming medications for your pet, Sunday evening might be a time to provide that medication support.
If your pet does get out and get lost, please search for them, including checking local social media, and check the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter lost & found web page https://www.scanimalshelter.org/lost-a-pet/ regularly to view stray animals who've been brought to our shelter or reported as found.
Our Watsonville and Live Oak shelters will be closed on Monday, October 12 due to a County Holiday, but will be open at our regular time on Tuesday, October 13.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and let's look out for our pets!
