UPDATE JUNE 6: The Animal Foundation has taken in more than 275 animals in July as people celebrate July 4 with hundreds of fireworks in the Las Vegas valley.
Lost pet owners have been scrambling to find their pets, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult as new Animal Foundation policies keep people like Arthur Novahom from entering the building.
"I just want my dog back please," Novahom said, "he got out last night because of the fireworks. He's scared to death of the fireworks and I didn't know."
Early Monday, Novahom's dog Snoop hadn't been turned into the Animal Foundation.
Animal Department Spokeswoman Kelsey Pizzi said the coronavirus control measures were implemented to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
"We really had to adapt this year because of COVID," she said.
Pizzi said pet owners aren't allowed to enter the building and, instead, have to search online the Animal Foundation website for pictures or send a picture of your pet to the foundation for staff members to check against animals in the kennels.
If your pet is located, Pizzi said you must call to make an appointment to pick them up.
"This is probably the busiest time of the year for us, all of the days surrounding July 4," she said, "and it will be even busier today and in the coming days."
Compounding problems, Pizzi said the coronavirus has kept them from bringing in their volunteers.
She said they are accepting donations to help ease the burden of a post-July 4 rush of lost pets.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Fourth of July fireworks across the valley not only caused a few fires, but they also kept the Animal Foundation busy.
At least 26 animals were taken in, according to the foundation. With the number expected to rise over the next few days.
The Animal Foundation’s website is updated hourly and the foundation will hold lost pets for 72 hours.
