As the Fourth of July approaches, Chula Vista Animal Services (CVAS) is urging pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their animals and prevent a surge in lost pets.

Every year, shelters are overwhelmed during this time due to fireworks and outdoor gatherings that lead to an influx of lost pets. Last year alone, 72 dogs entered the Chula Vista Animal Services shelter in the days surrounding July 4. At one point, the shelter was operating at 150% to 190% capacity, creating significant stress for both animals and staff.

What Pet Owners Can Do Now:

•  Microchipping pets offers permanent identification and increases the chance of reunion. Chula Vista Animal Services offers pet microchipping for $30, including lifetime registration. 
• Identification tags are the fastest way to get a pet home. Even if someone doesn’t have a proper tag, writing a phone number on duct tape and attaching it to the collar can make all the difference. Microchipping also helps reunite pets, as it is a permanent ID. If your pet wears the Microchip ID tag neighbors can help reunite the pet immediately. If no tag is present, the pet can be scanned at any vet or rescue for reunification.
• During the fireworks keep pets indoors and secure pets in a quiet, escape-proof area of the home.
• The public can visit the Chula Vista Animal Services Care Facility (130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA, 91911) for pet microchipping and tags. For CVAS Care Facility hours and more information visit, Animal Care | City of Chula Vista. 

If residents lose their pets, it is important to note that most pets stay close to where they went missing. Search the neighborhood on foot, check community apps like Nextdoor and Facebook groups, and use websites like PawBoost.com. 

If you’ve lost or found a pet in Chula Vista, National City, Lemon Grove, or Imperial Beach, Chula Vista Animal Services is the only shelter where the animal will be taken, whether by animal control or a good neighbor. 

CVAS is waiving reclaim fees for pets brought in during and shortly after the Fourth of July to help reunite families more quickly. For the latest lost and found pet updates, follow Chula Vista Animal Services (@cvacf) on social media, where posts are regularly shared to boost visibility and speed up reunifications (waived for reclaims 7/5-7/12 for pets lost during the holiday).