DALLAS, TX — As fireworks light up the skies this Fourth of July, animal shelters across Texas are preparing for one of their busiest — and most stressful — nights of the year. Loud bursts, bright flashes, and overwhelming noise make July 4 one of the most traumatic days for pets, especially dogs.
To ease the anxiety and offer some comfort, animal shelters in Dallas, Houston, and Austin are launching volunteer-driven programs to “Calm the Canines,” bringing community members together to sit, sing, or simply soothe dogs during fireworks displays.
Dallas Animal Services Leads with Compassion
Dallas Animal Services
1818 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX 75212
In Dallas, the city’s Calming the Canines Volunteer Night returns on Thursday, July 4, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are invited to bring a blanket, yoga mat, or folding chair and sit quietly with shelter dogs outside their kennels.
“Fireworks may be fun for us, but they’re terrifying for many of our pets,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director at DAS. “This event helps reduce stress for the dogs and creates a special opportunity for the community to connect with our animals.”
Houston Turns Up the Volume — to Soothe
Houston Humane Society
14700 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77053
BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
3300 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026
In Houston, shelters like the Houston Humane Society and BARC are taking a creative approach with Wild Tunes. Volunteer musicians will perform calming music — classical, acoustic, and ambient — to help dogs relax during fireworks. These sessions not only soothe animals but also create an enriching atmosphere that can increase adoption chances.
Austin Encourages Adoptions Before the Booms
Austin Pets Alive!
1156 W. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78703
Austin Animal Center
7201 Levander Loop, Building A, Austin, TX 78702
Austin Humane Society
124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752
In Austin, shelters are hosting “Name Your Own Price” adoption events from June 28–29 to reduce overcrowding ahead of the holiday weekend. Shelter officials say July 4 sees the highest intake of strays each year, making pre-holiday adoptions essential.
Why It Matters: Keeping Pets Safe and Shelters Calm
Shelters across Texas report surges in stray pet intakes during the Fourth of July due to fireworks panic. Volunteer-led events like “Calming the Canines” help ease the trauma for shelter dogs by offering comfort, connection, and a sense of calm in a chaotic environment.
Benefits of these efforts include:
- Lowered animal stress levels
- Increased community engagement
- Boosted adoption potential
- More space for incoming rescues
How You Can Help
| City | Shelter/Event | Address | Date & Time |
| Dallas | Calming the Canines | 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd., Dallas, TX 75212 | July 4, 7–10 p.m. |
| Houston | Wild Tunes Music Sessions | 14700 Almeda Rd. / 3300 Carr St., Houston, TX | July 4 (check schedules) |
| Austin | Name Your Price Adoptions | Various locations in Austin (see above) | June 28–29 |
Visit shelter websites or social media for details on volunteer registration, event info, and donation needs.
Should You Bring Your Pet to a Fireworks Show?
Absolutely not.
Experts strongly advise against bringing pets to fireworks events. The intense noise and crowds can cause severe anxiety, panic, and even physical harm.
Instead:
- Keep pets indoors with soothing music or white noise
- Ensure they wear collars with updated ID tags
- Use microchip registration and pet-safe calming aids
This July 4, while you enjoy the celebration, remember there’s a shelter pup in need of comfort. Whether through adoption, volunteering, or donation — you can be their hero.
To them, your presence is more than kindness — it’s a lifeline.
