BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern County Animal Services is popping off several programs before and after the 4th of July in hopes of keeping your pets safe!
Animal Shelter’s across the nation see an increase in lost animals during the 4th because fireworks tend to scare animals. A scared animal will often take extreme measures to escape their home when the fireworks begin.
So, KCAS is currently offering dog and cat parents free microchips for their pets through Wednesday, July 3rd. Residents of unincorporated Kern County can obtain a free microchip for their dogs and cats by coming to any Kern County Animal Shelter, during normal business hours.
Kern County Animal Shelter – Bakersfield
3951 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kern County Animal Shelter – Mojave
901 Poole St, Mojave
Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kern County Animal Services – Lake Isabella
14891 Highway 178, Lake Isabella
Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first 125 Bakersfield residents can also obtain a free pet microchip at the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center’s “Microchip Mania!” event this Saturday, June 29th, from 8 a.m. to noon at 201 South Mount Vernon Ave.
Below are some tips to help protect your animals during the 4th of July:
- Keep your pets secured INSIDE your home, if possible. Even dogs in fenced yards will find a way to escape the frightening noises.
- Update your pets microchip information early and often. Also, always make sure that your animal has some form of visible identification on, especially during the holiday.
- Use ambient noise such as a radio or TV playing to help comfort your pet when the noises begin.
KCAS will also be offering fee-waived redemptions of owned animals on July 5, 6, 8, and 9 to help get animals back home, safe and sound. Owners reclaiming their animals that were lost as a result of fireworks after Saturday, June 29th, can reclaim those pets at no charge with proper proof of ownership.
