BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Fireworks season can be a tricky time for our pets, with Kern County Animal Services saying that shelters typically see a spike in lost animals around this time.

Nick Cullen is the director of Kern County Animal Services, and he says local shelters have a history of seeing an uptick in missing animals around this time of year. Petamberalert.com says the number of lost pets increases 30-percent nationally after July 4th and they say on, average, only 14% are returned. Cullen describing that many pets have a tough time because they don't understand what fireworks are.

"I always say imagine if you were sitting in your home on any given day and you started to hear explosions outside you'd probably be a little scared."

Cullen says the key to keeping a pet safe is preparation, and knowing what the Fourth of July means to your pet. He says he advises to keep pets indoors if possible. But if that's not possible, make sure your property is properly contained so that an animal cannot escape.

"You don't really know how crafty and creative that pet can be to figure out a way out of that backyard when they feel their life is in jeopardy."

He also underlines the importance of giving your pet clear identification which means a name tag that has a name and phone number on it as well as getting the animal microchipped so they can be returned safely if they do get lost. Pet Matchmaker Rescue is holding a free microchipping event held in the parking lot at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in northwest Bakersfield. It's now open for walk-ups from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day leading up to the Fourth. And if you want to help an animal dealing with anxiety, Cullen recommends you talk to a vet about options.