1. Keep pets indoors: Keep your pets inside during fireworks displays to reduce their exposure to loud noises and flashing lights.

2. Create a safe space: Create a safe and comfortable space for your pets inside your home where they can retreat if they feel scared. This could be a quiet room with their favorite toys, blankets, and treats.

3. Provide distractions: Distract your pets with calming activities, such as playing soft music or giving them interactive toys to keep them occupied.

4. Use calming aids: Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or supplements recommended by your veterinarian to help reduce anxiety in pets.

5. Update identification: Ensure your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date identification tags or have microchips with current contact information in case they escape due to fear.

6. Avoid leaving pets in cars: Never leave your pets alone in a car during fireworks displays, as they can become distressed and overheated.

7. Stay calm: Your pets may pick up on your emotions, so try to remain calm and reassuring during fireworks to help them feel more secure.

8. Consult with a vet: If your pet has severe anxiety or fear of fireworks, consult with your veterinarian for additional advice and possible medication options.

By following these tips, you can help keep your pets safe and comfortable during fireworks displays.

Remember to also pay attention to weather conditions during the summer months! Keep your pets safe by avoiding outdoor activities during extreme heat. High temperatures can lead to heatstroke and dehydration. Always provide plenty of fresh water and shade to keep your pets cool and comfortable. Best practice is to keep your pets indoors during extreme heat.

Meet Brianna McAfee, an integral part of our team since June 2023. As an Animal Care Technician, Brianna's passion lies in witnessing the incredible transformations of animals. Her favorite aspect of the job is seeing an animal start as untrusting and introverted, only to blossom into the most social, outgoing, and personable companion imaginable. Brianna finds immense joy in helping these animals find their forever homes, ensuring they are matched with the perfect families.

Outside of work, Brianna enjoys spending time with friends and indulging her creative side by experimenting with new hair colors. Her dedication to animal care and her vibrant personality make her a cherished member of our team.

The Well Being Expo, hosted by the Sheriff’s Department, provided a perfect platform to showcase the loving animals in need of forever homes. Among the furry ambassadors representing the shelter were Otis, Nash, and Snickers, accompanied by dedicated animal care technicians Brianna, Andy, and Logan. These friendly canines not only stole the show with their wagging tails and playful antics but also captured the hearts of many attendees.

The event witnessed a fantastic turnout, with numerous visitors stopping by to meet and interact with the adorable shelter pets. As people learned about the unique personalities and stories of these animals, the message of adoption and responsible pet ownership resonated deeply.

The highlight of the day was Nash finding his forever family. This joyful moment marked not just a successful adoption but also a testament to the power of community events in connecting deserving pets with loving homes. Nash's adoption was a collective celebration, showcasing the positive impact of such initiatives on animal welfare. The dedication and hard work of animal care technicians Brianna, Andy, and Logan were instrumental in making the event a success. Their passion for animal welfare, coupled with their expertise in handling and showcasing the pets, played a pivotal role in creating a positive and memorable experience for both pets and attendees.

As we celebrate Nash's adoption success, let's continue to support initiatives that promote shelter pet adoptions and create a brighter future for all animals in need.

Anne, one of our dedicated volunteers, decided to give our furry resident, Snickers, a special day out. Snickers is a friendly and playful Terrier Mix and has been at the Pet Center since April. They headed to the beach, where Snickers joyfully played in the sand and made friends with other beachgoers. His tail wagged non-stop! After fun in the sun, Anne and Snickers took a drive to Starbucks in downtown St. Augustine for a delicious pup cup. Snickers really enjoyed his special treat and couldn’t stop smiling! The day was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, leaving Snickers happily tired and Anne fulfilled by the joy she brought to his life.