CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Your pet wearing an ID tag and being microchipped could be the difference between being reconnected with them or not, if they get lost, according to CMPD Animal Care and Control.

They say they want to keep pets out of their shelters and in owners' homes each Fourth of July, typically the toughest of holidays for the animals.

What You Need To Know

  • More pets go missing during the July 4th holiday than any other time of year
  • One in three pets will get lost at some point in their lifetime, and 90% will never return home without an ID, according to Michelson Found Animals Foundation
  • On Saturday, June 29 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. at 8315 Byrum Drive, Charlotte, CMPD Animal Care and Control will offer free exams, vaccines, ID tags and microchips 

CMPD Animal Control is hosting its third annual Prep Your Pet event on Saturday, June 29, from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte.

They will offer free exams, vaccines, ID tags and microchips. Adoption fees will be waived at the center between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. after the event.

One in three pets will get lost at some point in their lifetime, and 90% will never return home without an ID, according to Michelson Found Animals Foundation.

Communications Manager Melissa Knicely says the event helps keep more dogs out of their shelter and hopes more pet owners do it.

“It’s one day of the year where more pets in the United States go missing due to being scared from fireworks show activities — the fireworks themselves, or just bands, music,” Knicely said.

If your pet is afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms, Knicely suggests allowing them to find comfort in a secure indoor space such as a closet.