With the fireworks ban rescinded Monday by the Hays City Commission, the Hays Police Department is reminding residents to be mindful of pets and their safety this Fourth of July.

The HPD offered the following tips:

• Do not take your pets to fireworks displays. If he or she becomes frightened, there’s nowhere for them to go that is familiar for them to feel safe.

• Keep your pets in a comfortable, familiar place. If your dog is crate-trained, make sure he or she has access to that crate; it will make them feel more at peace during the booms, cracks and bangs of fireworks. Sometimes pets find shelter in the bathroom, near, under or in the bathtub. Do not try to lure them out. If the dog finds comfort there, let him or her be.

• Leave a TV or radio on at home for your pets at a normal level. This could soothe them enough to “tune out” the fireworks going off in the area.

• Always have identification/city of Hays pet registration on your pet. That way if the animal becomes scared and bolts from your residence, animal control officers can quickly return the animal to you and your home.

• If your dog is an outdoor dog, please at least put them in a garage or an area of your home that will put walls between the dog and the sounds of fireworks going off in the area.

• If you know that the Fourth of July creates anxiety for your pets, consult your veterinarian. Perhaps there are ways a doctor can help reduce the anxiety.

• If you do lose your dog or cat during the Fourth of July festivities, do not hesitate to call the city of Hays Communication Center to report your animal missing.

• Please be sure to dispose of all fireworks packaging accordingly when the firework has cooled down. Digesting any of the used debris from firework packaging can be harmful to pets.

The Hays Police Department Animal Control officers wish you and your pet a safe and happy Fourth of July.