The flashes, cracks, and booms of fireworks may be fun for you, but for your pet they can be frightening and confusing. Keep your pets inside, especially during the evening hours.

On July 4, as well as for a few days after, there may be fireworks set off near your home that can panic your dog or cat. In trying to get away from the noises, pets can become lost.

Pets should be kept in a quiet, familiar area on 4th of July night and any time loud noises are nearby.

Last year after the 4th of July, quite a few dogs came in that had gotten scared and ran off, said Cheryl Wicks of Sammie's Friends, the nonprofit group that manages the Nevada County animal shelter.

On Sunday, Wicks sent out a request for help from volunteers to board dogs temporarily in order to free up space at the shelter.