© CBS 5PARADISE VALLEY, AZ (CBS5) -
With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, local organizations are prompting residents to take every precaution to ensure the safety of their pets.
According to the Arizona Humane Society, more pets go missing on July 4 than any other day of the year.
In the event a pet does go missing, the organization recommends residents keep a clear photo of the pet handy, make sure the pet has proper identification (collar, microchip, etc.), post missing pets online, and file reports with local animal organizations.
The Prescott Valley Police Department attributes the high number of missing pets over the holiday to the loud noises from large fireworks displays and other noisemaking devices.
Sgt. Brandon Bonney said animals alarmed by the loud noises have been known to fearfully break leashes, chew through doors and break windows, leading to both injury and disappearance.
In addition, Bonney urged Valley residents not to leave pets in their vehicles for any amount of time, citing unbearably high temperatures as endangerment to an animal's well-being.
The Arizona Humane Society's emergency ambulance department can be reached at 602-997-7586.
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