Nothing says “Independence Day” like sunshine, fireworks and barbecues. But while it may seem like a great idea to include your pets in these fun festivities, it’s important for all pet parents to beware of potential dangers caused by this holiday. In fact, lots of common picnic foods are toxic to animals, and nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks!

To help you and your four-legged friends have a petriotic Fourth, we’ve put together some key tips to ensure a safe holiday:

Should your pet go missing on the Fourth or any time of year, the ASPCA mobile app is here to help. Utilizing the latest field research, this free tool provides a personalized pet recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances. Pet parents can also use the app to access critical advice, store vital medical records and build a “lost pet” digital flyer for instant sharing.

Visit our Pet Care section for a full list of Fourth of July Safety Tips.