Long Beach Animal Care Services Invites Community to Participate in Foster the 4th Ahead of Independence Day
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) is calling on the community to join their initiative, Foster the 4th, which aims to provide safe homes for shelter animals during the Fourth of July holiday period. This announcement was made by Mayor Rex Richardson, who emphasized the importance of opening our homes to these animals in need.

The Fourth of July holiday often sees a surge in dogs entering shelters due to fear of fireworks. The loud noises and bright flashes can cause animals to panic and run away from home, putting them in danger on the streets. This influx of lost animals puts a strain on resources and limited kennel space at LBACS. Currently, the shelter is over capacity and is urging the public to foster or adopt ahead of the holiday to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Foster the 4th will kick off with a special adoption and fostering event on Friday, June 20 at LBACS Adoption Garden. From 4-7pm, attendees will have the opportunity to meet adoptable animals and receive information and resources about fostering. Staff will also be present to conduct meet and greets between potential fosters and temporary house guests. Partners such as K9 Kismet, Blockhead Brigade, and Zoom Room will be in attendance to provide valuable fostering resources.

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Additional opportunities for Foster the 4th will take place at LBACS on June 24th and July 1st by appointment only. Those interested can schedule an appointment by emailing PetFoster@longbeach.gov.

To become a short-term foster, individuals must submit an online application, commit to fostering for a minimum of 30 days or longer, keep the foster pet separate from personal pets for safety reasons, and provide regular communication with LBACS staff. Selected fosters will receive veterinary care for their temporary pet as well as supplies for four weeks including food, toys, bowls, and a crate.

Melanie Wagner, Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau Manager, stresses the importance of keeping pets and their families together during this time. She encourages pet owners to prepare their pets by getting microchips, ensuring they have current tags, and familiarizing themselves with other pets in their community. Often, lost animals are found and reunited with their owners by people in their own neighborhoods.

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In addition to fostering, LBACS also offers tips for keeping pets safe during the Fourth of July holiday. They recommend keeping pets indoors with a radio or TV on to help soften the loud noises and flashing lights. It is also crucial for all pets to wear well-fitted collars with up-to-date ID tags in case they escape due to fear. LBACS also suggests microchipping as a way to ensure lost pets can be identified and reunited with their owners. Microchips are available for purchase at LBACS clinics every Monday, second Friday, and fourth Friday of the month.

LBACS is dedicated to supporting both animals and the community through outreach, education, guidance, and support services. They strive to protect shelter animals by providing enrichment programs and innovative initiatives. For more information on services and programs provided by LBACS, visit longbeach.gov/acs.

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, let us remember the importance of keeping our furry friends safe and consider opening our homes to shelter animals in need through Foster the 4th. Together, we can make a difference for these displaced animals during this busy season.

Filed Under: Government, City
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