Many Americans celebrate the nation’s birthday by lighting and watching fireworks. They look beautiful in the night sky, but their explosions can be very unsettling for those who are noise sensitive.
The loud sounds can be especially upsetting for pets. Kathryn Hawkins, the executive director of SAFE, a pet rescue dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia, shared a few suggestions for keeping pets calmer on the 4th of July.
First, she said that pets should be kept indoors. Some bigger dogs may need to be kept in separate rooms if they get especially agitated by the noise, she explained.
Hawkins said that at the shelter, they turn up the TV or music pretty loud to help drown out the noise as well. Keeping pets calm will make the holiday less stressful and help them stay safe.
Protecting pets goes beyond holiday safety at SAFE. They have been rescuing pets since their inception in 2008. Since then, more than 30,000 dogs and cats have been rescued. Hawkins attributes their success to the hard work and devotion of their staff and dozens of volunteers.
SAFE has three locations, two of which are in St. Augustine. Their Treasure Beach location is an adoption center for dogs.
Their St. Augustine Beach location houses dogs and cats, has a vet office and is home of the nonprofit’s thrift store. Their thrift store is run entirely by volunteers and helps support the care of pets.
Their third location, Hollister Sanctuary & Adoption Center, is a safe haven for old and non-adoptable dogs.
Hawkins said that some dogs have a lot of past trauma, which makes it difficult for them to be adopted. At the sanctuary, they are cared for by kind volunteers and dedicated staff. They are treated like kings and queens. The sanctuary includes 10 acres of trails for lots of walks and space to play. SAFE also partners with other local shelters to help rescue animals.
“If we unite, we can be a stronger force,” Hawkins said.
Fostering or adopting a pet saves lives by making more room for pets at the shelter. You can find a list of lovable, adoptable pets on their website or through their Facebook page. To get started, print and bring a completed adoption/foster application form to the shelter. Adoption fees for puppies and pure breeds are $325, American mixed breeds are $250 and long-term dogs are $100. Cats are $50 and kittens are $125.
There are lots of additional ways to get involved. Donations such as pet and cleaning supplies are always appreciated. Sharing one of their social media posts can go a long way. 50% of SAFE’s adoptions happen through social media, Hawkins said. There are opportunities to shop and volunteer at their thrift store and adoption centers. Volunteers with a clean driver’s history can assist by driving pet transport vans.
SAFE’s mission is to create a compassionate community where every dog and cat is given a second chance at life. To learn more about SAFE, go to www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com or call 904-460-0556.
The St. Augustine Beach Adoption Center is located at 1250 A1A. The adoption center is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The thrift store is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Donations are accepted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
The Treasure Beach Adoption center is located at 6101 A1A South, Unit 101, St. Augustine. Their hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Hollister Adoption Center & Sanctuary is located at 112 Norma St., Hollister. Visits are by appointment only.
All three locations are open every day of the year.
