It’s not surprising that the Fourth of July holiday is difficult for many pets and their owners.

Animal shelters report that more pets are lost during this holiday than any other. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, PAWS offers some suggestions.

• Start looking. Don’t assume your missing pet will be back in a day or two, has been stolen, or has “gone off to die.” Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing, and visit the Missing Pet Partnership for specific strategies on how to find lost cats and lost dogs.
• If your pet has a microchip, contact the microchip company to make sure your pet’s registration is up-to-date with current phone numbers and contact information. Some microchip companies take lost reports over the phone. If you are not sure of the microchip brand, contact the veterinary clinic or shelter where your pet was microchipped.
• Check out the following pet list to see if your lost pet has already arrived at PAWS. If they are at the shelter, be prepared for the reclaiming process when you arrive at the shelter.
• Visit/contact your local animal shelter. The following is a list of local animal shelters:

The official animal shelter for Mountlake Terrace is PAWS (15305 44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood, 425-787-2500)

Lynnwood/Everett Animal Shelter (333 Smith Island Rd. in Everett, 425-257-6000).

Edmonds/Adix Bed & and Bath for Dogs and Cats (21100 72nd Ave. W. in Edmonds, 425-778-1475)

Shoreline/Regional Animal Services of King County (206-296-PETS (7387). Enter 311 to listen to the list of dogs, or 312 for a list of cats.)

Lake Forest Park/Regional Animal Services of King County (206-296-PETS (7387). Enter 311 to listen to the list of dogs, or 312 for a list of cats.)

A list of other shelters and agencies can be found here.