Peoria – Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reminds pet owners to take special care of their pets during the Fourth of July holiday. The safest place for your pet during the holiday is inside, away from fireworks. Pets may panic and run away when frightened by fireworks or the sometimes chaotic atmosphere of the holiday.

Many pets are injured during the Fourth of July holiday. Whether at a backyard cookout or a community fireworks event, pets can become frightened. A frightened animal can bite, putting itself and others in danger. The best place for pets during any fireworks display is at home or inside where it cannot be injured or lost.

If you lose your pet or see an injured animal, please call PCAPS at 309-672-2440 or the Peoria Emergency Communications Center at 309-674-3131. The animal shelter is closed on Thursday, July 4, for the holiday, but animal control officers remain on duty throughout the holiday to respond to calls for stray and injured animals.

For more information, please call PCAPS at 672-2440.