Patriotic Pet Safety Tips!
June is Pet Safety Month—and with today, June 20th, marking the official first day of summer and the 4th of July right around the corner, we’re kicking things off a little early to celebrate with a bang (yep, firework pun intended). Now’s the perfect time to brush up on a few pet safety tips to keep them safe, cool, and feeling fabulous all season long. Whether you’re heading to a parade, firing up the grill, or just soaking up the sun, we’ve got your back—and your pet’s paws—covered!
Stars, Stripes, and Safe Pets!
We love celebrating summer—but the season can bring hidden hazards for our four-legged friends. Keep these tips in mind so everyone enjoys the fun:
No BBQ Bites: Common party foods like onions, chocolate, bones, and alcohol can be toxic to pets. Stick to treats made just for them!
Hot Dog Alert: Pavement gets HOT quickly! Walk early or late, bring cool water, and watch for signs of heatstroke like heavy panting or wobbly legs—get to a vet ASAP if you spot them.
Skip The Sparkles: Fireworks, glow sticks, citronella candles, and sparklers should stay far away from curious noses and paws. Keep pets indoors in a quiet, cozy space with soothing music or a fan.
Tag & Chip Check: Make sure collars & microchips are ready for duty in case your pet makes a break for independence.
Reminder: July 4th is the #1 day for runaway pets. Around 45% of dogs suffer noise anxiety—make sure yours has a quiet, cozy spot to hide out.
Just Fur Fun!
Time for a treat! You’ve got the safety tips—now let’s keep the celebration rolling (over) by enjoying some festive jokes and facts!
Patriotic Pet Jokes
Q: Why did the cat join the Independence Day parade?
A: To show off its purr-triotic spirit!
Q: Why was the dog sitting in the shade on July 4th?
A: Because he didn’t want to be a hot dog!
Q: What would you get if you crossed a patriot with a small curly-haired dog?
A: Yankee Poodle!
Patriotic Pet Facts
Dogs On Duty: Military dogs have served in every major U.S. war—sniffing out danger and saving lives. True American heroes!
Presidential Pets: Most U.S. Presidents have had pets! From George Washington’s hounds to Lincoln’s pardoned turkey, even parrots and ponies have lived in the White House.
America Loves Pets: Over 66% of U.S. households have a pet—that’s more than own an American flag!
Name Fame: Names like Liberty, Yankee, and Betsy (as in Ross!) tend to spike in popularity this time of year.
Paws for Celebration: America celebrates National Pet Day (Apr 11), National Dog Day (Aug 26), and National Mutt Day (Jul 31)—because every paw counts!
Star Of The Week: Meet Luci
While we love to share laughs and fun facts, we also want to highlight the real difference your support makes.
Meet Luci, a sweet 1.5-year-old Great Pyrenees who’d been struggling with chronic gastrointestinal issues for months. Her mom, Caitlyn, had already spent thousands on diagnostic tests with no clear answers. The next step—an ultrasound to rule out intestinal problems—was simply out of reach financially.
Thanks to your support, Helping Hands stepped in to help cover the cost at VCA Roberts Animal Hospital last week. The good news? No abnormalities were found. Luci was diagnosed with food allergies that led to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which can be managed with special food and medication.
A note from Luci’s mom:
“Thank you so much! You took such a weight off my shoulders to know nothing is internally wrong and we can treat Luci with medication… I can breathe better now. You have no idea how much this helped both me and Luci. Thank you.”
Be a Star-Spangled Supporter!
This 4th of July, help us turn compassion into action. Stories like Luci’s remind us why your support is so vital. You don’t need fireworks to make a big impact! Here’s how to get involved:
Donate Any Amount: We'll stretch every dollar into pet food, supplies, and medical care for local animals in need.
Shop Our Chewy.com Wishlist: Items ship directly to us, making it easier than ever to give real help, fast.
Share The Love: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, then share our posts with your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers.
Become A Volunteer: From pantry deliveries to event support, we always need extra hands (and big hearts).
Start A Collection Drive: Organize a collection of food or supplies at work or in your community.
Whether you're donating, sharing, volunteering, or simply cheering us on, you’re building a community where every pet is safe, seen, and loved. Let’s make this summer one to remember—for the pets who need us most. Together, we can give every pet the liberty to live their best life.
