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August is Microchip Month at Boston Veterinary Care!

Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) answers your Microchip FAQs

Did you know… that microchipping your pet DOUBLES their chances of finding their way home?

August 15 is National Check the Chip Day, and for good reason: During the Summer months, pets will be spending more time outside—or may find themselves extra eager to slip out the door into the sunshine. In the event that you and your pet ever become separated, you’ll want to make sure that you are reunited as quickly and easily as possible.

That’s where a microchip comes in handy! Once microchipped, your pet can be identified throughout its life with a one-of-a-kind ID number. For this reason, microchipping has become extremely popular for pet owners, and scanning pets for microchips has become standard practice in veterinary offices, animal hospitals, and animal shelters.

Q: What is a microchip?

A: A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, programmed with an identification number that is unique to your pet. It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and will last the life of your pet with no maintenance required. The microchip is injected with a needle beneath the skin between the shoulder blades and is anchored in place as a thin layer of connective tissue forms around it.

Q: Will the implantation of the microchip cause my pet pain?

A: Your pet may feel a slight “pinch” as they would with any other needle injection. Once the microchip in place, however, it does not cause pain and cannot be felt by touch. Many pet owners opt to microchip their pet during routine exams, spay or neutering, or dental cleanings; it’s one less trip to the vet, and your furry companion will probably be too distracted to notice that the injection is happening.

size of a pet microchip

Ever wonder what a pet microchip looks like? It’s as small as a grain of rice!

Q: Can all cats and dogs receive a microchip, and at what age?

A: Absolutely! A microchip is recommended for all cats and dogs (even toy breeds) and can be implanted as early as 6-8 weeks of age.

Q: How does microchip identification work?

A: A special non-intrusive scanner is used to send a signal to the microchip to read the identification number. The person reading the scanner can search a national microchip registry to find out the pet owner’s information.

Q: Why should I microchip my pet; isn’t a collar enough?

A: In short, things happen. While a collar with ID tags is an excellent start, there is always a chance that they can be removed or fall off.  Think of a microchip as a permanent ID tag for your pet—and a fail-safe way to verify that you’re their owner.

Microchips have reunited thousands of pets with their owners, even ones who have been missing for years or traveled many miles away! If your pet were to go astray, any veterinarian’s office, animal hospital, or animal shelter would be able to scan your pet’s microchip and contact you immediately. Be sure to keep your contact information current in the national microchip registry database to ensure an easy reunion with your pet – some microchip companies even let you add a backup contact.

Q: My microchipped pet is missing. What do I do?

A: The first step is to contact your pet’s microchip manufacturer (e.g, PetLink, Home Again) and provide them with your pet’s unique microchip number. If your pet has already been located, they’ll be able to tell you where to pick up your pet. If your pet’s whereabouts have not yet been located, it means that their microchip has not yet been scanned by a local animal shelter, animal hospital, or veterinarian. The microchip manufacturer will put an alert in the system so that when your pet’s microchip IS scanned they can contact you right away.

Learn more about how to keep your pet safe this season.

What’s in the PETS Act?

In March the Senate passed a bill called the “PETS Act”. The House then passed their version of the bill in mid-July. Both bills contain many important provisions to protect animals across Massachusetts. Bolded items were passed by both chambers. The next step for the bill is to be reconciled. In the Massachusetts State Legislature, this is done by a Conference Committee.

Senate

    • Bans the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops
    • Prohibits homeowners and renter’s insurance policies from arbitrarily refusing to cover or renew a policy on the basis of a dog’s breed, size, or weight
    • Expands current civil citation for cruel conditions from dogs to include all household pets
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

House

    • Upgrades kennel laws
    • Establishes licensure for veterinary technicians
    • Creates civil process to intervene in cases of animal neglect without pursuing criminal charges
    • Regulates pet health insurance
    • Protects service animals and their owners’ rights to use rideshare services
    • Expands pet friendly housing in state aided housing authorities
    • Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics and household goods
    • Increases funding for Mass Animal Fund

What is a “Conference Committee”?

It’s a lot like what you might assume based on the name. To go to the Governor for her signature, identical versions of a bill have to pass both the House and Senate. When they don’t agree, especially when there are a lot of differences, they often appoint a “conference committee” to sit down and come up with a compromise. The House and Senate leadership each appoint 3 members (2 from the majority party, 1 from the minority party) to create a 6-person committee to review the bills. Conference committees happen almost entirely in closed meetings. Some of the differences might be technical and easy to compromise on, but others may be contentious and result in extended negotiations. Conference committees are not required to come to a compromise on every issue in the bill, and can choose not to include provisions if they can’t come to an agreement.

When they come to an agreement, they file a report with the Clerk’s Office. After this point, no legislator can make a change to the bill. This compromise will then get voted on by both branches and sent to the Governor. The Governor can: sign the bill, veto the bill, refuse to sign the bill (it becomes law after 10 days, with minimal exceptions), or return the bill to the Legislature with an amendment.

New legislative rules this session allow for a conference committee report to be voted on through the end of session, which gives them until January.

What can I do to help get this bill passed?

Sign up for ARL’s Advocacy email list and learn about ways to get involved!

Supporter Spotlight: Christopher Lapan and José Rodríguez-Villalobos

For over three decades, Chris and José have shared a life together rooted in partnership, kindness, and community. José has spent his working life as a financial advisor, bringing a steady and analytical lens to everything he does, while Chris, a retired hairstylist and former Provincetown restaurant owner, is known for his skills in the kitchen and his love of hosting dinner parties. The two first met at a Christmas party, then reconnected years later and the rest was history! Thirty-four years later, they continue to adventure through life together.

Though it’s hard to believe, animals were not always a central part of their lives. José did not grow up with pets, and although Chris always gravitated toward the dogs in his neighborhood, he never had one of his own. After they began dating, Chris gently (and persistently) raised the idea of adopting a dog together. It took 15 years before José agreed, and when he did, Chris made him put it in writing and sign his name. That decision changed the trajectory of their lives forever.

Their first dog, Griffin, was medically fragile. For 19 months, Chris and José structured their entire life around his care, even coordinating travel plans based on how close they were to veterinary hospitals. Loving him for his short life opened their eyes to the struggles that animals can face and inspired them to do more.

After Griffin’s passing, their home did not stay empty for long. Cooper came next, followed soon after by Abby, who they met unexpectedly during a routine grooming visit back at the rescue. Abby has since passed, but Cooper, now 16, remains a beloved reminder of the joy that rescue animals bring. Through these experiences, animal welfare became not just something they cared about, but something they felt responsible for supporting.

Over the years their annual contributions grew into deeper involvement. A tour with ARL’s former president, Mary Nee, and current president, Dr. Edward Schettino, proved pivotal. Soon after, José joined ARL’s Board of Directors. Chris has been a steadfast supporter of his board service, sharing in the belief that ARL’s work truly matters.

Their decision to include ARL in their estate plans reflects both their values and José’s understanding of long-term investment. They see their legacy gift as an opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact. Serving on the Investment Committee has reinforced for José how powerful these gifts can be over time. “A dollar when you’re gone will do far more work than a dollar today”, José reflects.

For Chris and José, legacy giving is about ensuring that this kind of compassionate, practical work continues long after they are gone. Through their planned gift, they hope to help build a future where animals are protected, families are supported, and kindness remains at the center of ARL’s mission.

Did you know August is National Make-A-Will Month?

Just as animals have touched your life, you can forever touch the lives of animals by including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) in your will or financial plans.

Learn how to leave your print and make more than a lifetime of impact for animals.

When you include ARL in your Will or other plans, you become a member of the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society® and join the company of compassionate supporters like Chris and José , who want their dedication to the well-being of animals to continue long into the future.

Have you included, or are you thinking of including ARL in your will? Let us know so we can thank you! Please contact Jackie at jsmith@arlboston.org.

Photo credit: Sean Crane Photography

Easing Back-to-School Stress for Pets

6 Steps to Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Routine

As Greater Boston families prepare for the return of school-year routines, it’s important to remember that pets notice these changes, too.

Dogs and cats are especially tuned in to our daily schedules. When summer routines suddenly shift and the morning rush returns, some pets may have a harder time adjusting. You might notice your pet following you from room to room, becoming clingier, or showing other signs of stress, including excessive barking, house soiling, destructive chewing, changes in appetite, or decreased interest in normal activities.

The good news? A little planning can help make the transition easier. Here are six simple ways to help your pet feel comfortable and secure during back-to-school season:

  1. Make Mornings Fun
    Build a few extra minutes of activity into your pet’s morning routine. Add some playtime to your dog’s walk, toss a favorite toy, or offer a special treat before you leave. When it’s time to go, keep your goodbye calm and low-key. Making departures a big event can sometimes make it harder for pets to settle once you’re gone.
  2. Give Them Something to Do
    Help keep your pet occupied after the family leaves for the day. Food puzzles, treat-stuffed toys, or small portions of kibble hidden around the home can provide mental stimulation and make alone time more rewarding.

    These activities can be especially helpful during the first 30 minutes after you leave.

  3. Add Some Background Noise
    A quiet house can feel very different after a busy summer. Leaving on a radio, television, or soft music may provide comforting background noise and help recreate some of the sounds your pet is used to hearing when the family is home.
  4. Consider Midday Care
    If your dog will be home alone for long stretches, consider arranging for a trusted dog walker to provide a midday break.
  5. Keep Homecomings Calm
    It’s natural to be excited to see your pet at the end of the day, but try to keep greetings relaxed. Reward calm behavior rather than immediately responding to jumping, barking, or other overly excited behavior with attention.

    Once your pet has settled, you can give them all the affection they’ve been waiting for.

  6. Make Evenings Count
    Set aside quality time for your pet after the school and workday is over.

    For cats, try interactive toys, enrichment activities, or a little catnip. For dogs, a walk, play session, training activity, or simply spending time together can provide physical and mental stimulation while reinforcing their sense of security.

    ARL’s Free Pet Behavior Helpline

    If your pet is having difficulty adjusting to a new routine, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is here to help.

    Contact ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org for guidance and support for dogs, cats, and small animals.

    Don’t Forget Back-to-School Pet Safety

    If you have school-aged children in your household, remind them to keep backpacks, lunchboxes, and snacks off the floor and out of your pet’s reach.

    Common lunchbox items including grapes, raisins, chocolate, gum, candy, and certain other foods can be dangerous or toxic to pets.

    For more tips to keep pets safe and happy throughout the school year, download ARL’s free Bark-to-School Guide.

    Back-to-school season is an adjustment for the whole family. With a little preparation, enrichment, and extra attention, you can help your pet settle into the new routine feeling safe, comfortable, and loved.

    Mother Cat and Kittens Rescued Near Somerset Firehouse

    Their Rescue Highlights the Lifesaving Impact of ARL’s Community Cat Program.

    When firefighters at the Somerset Fire Department noticed a mother cat and her four kittens living near the firehouse, they knew the feline family needed help. Although they stayed close by, the mother was understandably too fearful of people to be safely handled.

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services team safely and humanely trapped the mother cat and her four kittens as part of ARL’s Community Cat Program. After evaluation by ARL’s veterinary staff, it became clear that the kittens and their mother would have different paths forward.

    Because the kittens are still young enough to be socialized, they are now safe in ARL’s care, where they will continue to grow until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered and placed for adoption.

    Their mother, however, was a healthy adult community cat. Rather than placing her in a shelter environment, where she would likely experience significant stress, ARL spayed, vaccinated, and ear-tipped her before returning her to the outdoor area she knows as home.

    While it may seem surprising that a rescued cat would be returned outdoors, returning adult community cats to the outdoor environments they know is the foundation of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), the humane approach at the heart of ARL’s Community Cat Program.

    Why Was the Mother Cat Returned?

    Community cats are unowned cats that live outdoors. Some are feral and have had little to no positive interaction with people, while others may be semi-socialized or former pets that have adapted to living outside.

    For healthy adult feral cats like the mother cat rescued in Somerset, returning to the outdoor territory they know after they are spayed and vaccinated is often the best outcome. TNR allows them to live healthier lives while preventing future litters.

    How Trap-Neuter-Return Helps Cats and Communities

    Through TNR, community cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and then returned to the outdoor area they call home. This approach:

    • Prevents future litters of kittens.
    • Improves the health of individual cats through veterinary care.
    • Reduces behaviors associated with mating, including fighting, spraying, and roaming.
    • Stabilizes community cat populations over time.
    • Improves the relationship between people and outdoor cats by reducing nuisance behaviors.

    The mother’s ear tip—a small, painless procedure performed while she was under anesthesia—is a universal sign that a community cat has already been spayed and vaccinated. This helps prevent unnecessary trapping and surgery if she is encountered again in the future.

    What Is ARL’s Community Cat Program?

    ARL’s Community Cat Program was created to help address the needs of the estimated 700,000 community cats living throughout Massachusetts. Through the program, ARL’s Field Services team works with residents, municipalities, animal control officers, and community partners to develop humane Trap-Neuter-Return plans, provide veterinary care, and determine whether individual cats or kittens are candidates for adoption.

    The rescue at the Somerset Fire Department is just one example of this work in action. In this case, four kittens were given the opportunity to find loving homes while their mother returned to her familiar territory healthier and happier.

    If you encounter community cats or kittens outdoors, it’s important not to assume they need to be rescued immediately. Every situation is different, and ARL’s Field Services team can help determine the most humane course of action. Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return services and ARL’s Community Cat Program, or call the ARL Field Services hotline at (617) 426-9170, ext. 563.

    Animal Rescue League of Boston Partners with NBCUniversal and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for 2026 Clear the Shelters Campaign

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is proud to once again participate in NBCUniversal’s annual Clear the Shelters campaign, in partnership with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, from August 1-31. The nationwide initiative celebrates the life-changing impact of pet adoption and helps connect more animals with loving families.

    Clear the Shelters logo

    As part of the campaign, adoption fees for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and parakeets will be waived, while adoption fees for large adult dogs (one year and older weighing more than 40 pounds) will be reduced by $200 at all three ARL Animal Care & Adoption Centers.

    While every animal deserves a loving home, some pets simply wait a little longer to find the right family. This is especially true of large adult dogs, as well as smaller companion animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and parakeets. During Clear the Shelters, ARL hopes to shine a spotlight on these wonderful animals and encourage more people to discover just how rewarding it can be to welcome these deserving animals into their homes.

    Adult dogs often come with established personalities, making it easier to find a companion that fits your lifestyle. Many have already mastered basic manners and are ready to settle into a loving home. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a walking partner, or a couch companion, an adult dog could be the perfect fit. Senior dogs have so much love to give and often form incredibly strong bonds with their families, proving that it’s never too late to find your best friend.

    Small companion animals also make incredible pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and parakeets each have unique personalities and can bring years of companionship to the right home. Despite this, they are sometimes overlooked by prospective adopters, making campaigns like Clear the Shelters an important opportunity to highlight everything they have to offer.

    If you’ve been considering adoption, we invite you to visit one of ARL’s Animal Care & Adoption Centers in Boston, Brewster, or Dedham to meet the animals waiting for their next chapter.

    ARL is grateful to NBCUniversal and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their continued partnership and commitment to helping more shelter animals find loving homes through the Clear the Shelters campaign.

    ARL President & CEO Dr. Edward Schettino Featured in MassVet News: Expanding Access to Veterinary Care Across Greater Boston

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is proud to share that President & CEO, Edward Schettino, DVM, PhD, CAWA, was featured in the June issue of MassVet News, the official publication of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA).

    In the article, “Meeting Pets Where They Are: How You Can Help Close the Veterinary Care Gap in Greater Boston,” Dr. Schettino explores the growing challenges many pet owners face in accessing affordable veterinary care and highlights how ARL’s innovative community veterinary programs are helping remove barriers that can put the human-animal bond at risk.

    Meeting Communities Where They Are

    For many families, pets are cherished members of the family. However, rising living costs and limited access to affordable veterinary services have made it increasingly difficult for some pet owners to provide the care their animals need. These challenges are particularly evident in underserved communities where transportation, financial constraints, language barriers, and limited veterinary resources can prevent families from seeking care before medical issues become emergencies.

    As Dr. Schettino explains in the article, ARL recognized these challenges nearly a decade ago and shifted its focus beyond traditional shelter services by investing in preventative, community-based programs designed to keep pets healthy and in their homes.

    A Community-Centered Approach

    The article highlights the evolution of ARL’s community veterinary initiatives, beginning with the opening of a low-cost pet wellness clinic in Dorchester in 2018 and expanding with the launch of the Wellness Waggin’® mobile veterinary clinic in 2019.

    Today, the Wellness Waggin’ brings affordable veterinary care directly into neighborhoods throughout Greater Boston, helping families overcome many of the barriers that can prevent them from accessing routine care. By partnering with trusted community organizations, ARL has created a model that supports both people and pets while strengthening communities.

    Making a Measurable Difference

    Dr. Schettino also shares the significant impact these programs have had since their launch. Together, ARL’s community veterinary initiatives have provided tens of thousands of wellness appointments, administered thousands of vaccinations, connected families with affordable spay/neuter services, distributed pet food to those in need, and contributed to a meaningful reduction in owner surrenders in the communities served. These results reinforce a simple but powerful idea: when veterinary care is accessible and affordable, families are better able to keep the pets they love.

    An Invitation to the Veterinary Community

    In his feature, Dr. Schettino also encourages fellow veterinarians to become part of the solution by volunteering with ARL’s Wellness Waggin’. Volunteer veterinarians play a vital role in expanding access to care for pets who might otherwise go without treatment while helping strengthen the bond between people and their animals. As demand for affordable veterinary care continues to grow, partnerships with the veterinary community remain essential to expanding these lifesaving services.

    Get Involved

    To learn how you can get involved with the Wellness Waggin’ and ARL’s other community programs, reach out to Sam Fincke at sfincke@arlboston.org. You can also learn more about ARL’s services including community programs, temporary pet housing, pet food and supplies, and low-cost spay/neuter services.

    ARL Field Services Rescues Cat from Tree, Reunites Him with Owner

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Field Services team recently rescued a frightened, 1-year-old cat stranded high in a tree in a Newton neighborhood, safely reuniting him with his grateful owner.

    The owner contacted ARL after his cat, Alex, climbed high into a tree and was unable to make his way back down. ARL’s Field Services team quickly responded and began working to bring Alex safely to the ground.

    Because Alex was perched so high in the tree, the rescue required specialized equipment, careful planning, and nearly three hours to complete. Using climbing ropes, an ARL Field Services agent scaled the tree, secured the visibly frightened cat, and safely placed him into a carrier before lowering him to the ground.

    Following the successful rescue, Alex was reunited with his relieved owner and soon settled back into the comfort of his home. Watch the rescue unfold in the video below.

    About ARL’s Field Services

    As part of its Community Outreach programs, ARL’s Field Services provide technical (tree climbing and swift/ice water) and non-technical rescues for injured domestic animals – including community cats – livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls).

    Field Services also assists governmental agencies with equipment and training, and plays an essential role in supporting ARL’s Law Enforcement Department in cases of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.

    To contact Field Services, please call (617) 426-9170 x563. Field Services’ hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30AM – 5:30PM.

    What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Allergies

    Our Veterinary Team Provides Expert Advice on What to Watch for and What You Can Do About It

    Spring and summer are wonderful seasons for dogs, but for many, warmer weather also brings allergies. If your pup has been scratching more than usual, chewing at their paws, or shaking their head, allergies could be the culprit.

    What Causes Allergies in Dogs?

    The three most common types of allergies in dogs are environmental allergies (pollen, grass, dust mites, molds), flea allergies (an intense reaction to flea saliva, even from a single bite), and food allergies.

    Symptoms can occur year-round but often peak in the spring and summer. While allergies can’t always be cured, they can usually be managed so your dog stays comfortable.

    How Do I Know If My Dog Has Allergies?

    Allergic dogs don’t typically sneeze or get watery eyes the way people do. Instead, allergies usually show up in the skin. Keep an eye out for:

      • Frequent scratching, especially on the belly, armpits, or sides
      • Red or irritated skin
      • Rubbing the face on furniture or with their paws
      • Excessive paw licking or chewing
      • Reddish-brown staining of the fur on their paws
      • Hair loss or skin sores
      • Recurring skin or ear infections

    Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) Pro Tip: Reddish-brown fur staining around the paws is a telltale sign of chronic licking and a classic sign of allergies that’s easy to miss.

    Don’t Forget About Fleas

    It only takes one flea bite to set off a reaction in a sensitive dog. Year-round flea prevention is the best defense, even if you never see fleas on your pet.

    Allergies and Ear Infections

    Recurring ear infections are often allergy related. Allergies cause inflammation in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. Watch for head shaking, scratching at the ears, odors, or discharge.

    Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) Pro Tip: Recurring ear infections are a red flag that something bigger may be going on. Don’t wait to check in with your vet!

    What Can Be Done?

    A full-service veterinarian can help by recommending year-round flea prevention, conducting a diet trial to rule out food allergies, and prescribing medications like Apoquel® or Cytopoint® to control itching. Diagnostic testing or a referral to a veterinary dermatologist may also be recommended. Long-term improvement depends on treating the root cause.

    The Boston Veterinary Care Team is Here to Help

    If your dog is dealing with ongoing allergy symptoms, recurring ear infections, or skin issues, Boston Veterinary Care (BVC), the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s full-service veterinary clinic, is here to help.

    BVC provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and preventative care, including diagnostic testing and long-term allergy management. As a nonprofit clinic, 100% of proceeds support the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

    Boston Veterinary Care: 10 Chandler St. Boston, MA l (617) 226-5605 | bvc@arlboston.org | bostonvetcare.com

    Keeping Pets Safe This July 4th

    Why Fireworks and Furry Friends Don’t Mix

    Fireworks and July 4th go hand-in-hand; however, they can cause stress and anxiety in our pets.

    Fireworks are a beloved July 4th tradition, but they can cause significant stress and anxiety for pets.

    Many dogs already struggle during thunderstorms, and while both storms and fireworks are loud, there’s a key difference:
    Dogs can sense an approaching storm through changes in barometric pressure. Fireworks, on the other hand, are sudden, unpredictable, and startling.

    “When storms happen, the barometric pressure will tell them that it’s coming; not with fireworks—and it’s so detrimental,” says Laney Nee, ARL’s Shelter Behavior and Enrichment Manager.

    Fireworks can lead to anxiety and long-term behavioral issues in pets.
    Common signs of distress include:

    • Shaking or trembling
    • Drooling
    • Barking or howling
    • Pacing or restlessness
    • Hiding or trying to escape
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control

    “Dogs only communicate through their voices, mouths, paws, and body language,” Nee explains. “When they’re exhibiting signs of fear and we interact with them, there’s a risk they could redirect that fear into aggressive behavior.”

    The loud blasts and flashing lights can also cause pets to panic and run off. Shelters across the country often see a spike in lost pet reports around July 4th.

    How to Help Keep Your Pet Safe

    Here are tips to protect your furry friends this holiday:

    1. ID First: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. If they’re microchipped, confirm your contact info is current—just in case they get lost.
    2. Create a Safe Space: Set them up in a quiet room with their favorite toys. Turn on a TV, soft music, or a white noise machine to help mask outside noises.
    3. Reduce Light Exposure: If your pet is sensitive to the bright flashes, place them in a room without windows. Keep in mind: frightened animals may bolt when a door opens, so take precautions.
    4. Consult Your Vet: If your pet suffers from extreme anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about possible medications or calming supplements.
    5. Burn Off Energy: Take dogs for a long walk or play session before fireworks begin. Exercise can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
    6. Double-Check Exits: Make sure doors, windows, and backyard gates are securely closed.
    7. Keep Pets Home: Even pets that seem comfortable in crowds can become frightened by fireworks. Leave pets at home during celebrations and avoid bringing them to fireworks displays, parades, or other loud events.

    What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing

    1. Contact Animal Control: If your pet escapes, contact your local animal control with their information immediately.
    2. Notify Local Shelters: Reach out to nearby shelters to report your missing pet and provide a recent photo.
    3. Check Microchip Information: If your pet is microchipped, make sure your contact information is up to date and notify the microchipping company that your pet is missing.
    4. Spread the Word: Post a recent photo and details for your pet on local lost-and-found pet pages, neighborhood social media groups, and community bulletin boards.
    5. Search the Area: Walk through your neighborhood and check nearby yards, parks, and hiding spots. Bring treats, a favorite toy, or other familiar items to help attract your pet.

    Cats and Small Animals

    While dogs are often the most visibly affected, cats and other small pets can also experience stress from fireworks. Provide them with a quiet, secure area where they can retreat and feel safe.

    ARL’s FREE Pet Behavior Helpline

    ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline is a FREE service, and can answer basic behavioral questions about your pet, such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or if you are looking for ways to stave off your pet’s boredom.

    If you have questions, please call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org, and an ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.