Advice from Southeast Missouri Pets on preparing for summer, July Fourth

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - A busy, hot summer lies ahead, and those with Southeast Missouri Pets want to make sure animals stay safe and happy.

A heat advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9.

Executive director Jenn Farmer said many of the same safety recommendations apply to dogs and cats as people.

“Stay in the shade, stay inside, and also plenty of water. We like to use different things at the shelter. We use ice cubes in their water bowls. We do a lot of swimming pools and things of that sort. A lot of water fountains. But you got to remember that if you’re hot, your animal’s hot.”

Farmer said pet owners should seek immediate help from a vet if an animal is having seizures, shakes, vomiting or acting lethargic in the heat.

With America’s 250th anniversary coming up, Farmer said people should prepare now for pets to be anxious on July Fourth.

“You should see a vet now if you’re worried, not wait until July 3rd. Maybe, you know, some medication, a thunder shirt.”

Farmer said pet owners can get their animals used to loud noises by putting tennis balls in the dryer. Turning the TV up can also help.

SEMO Pets turns 50 in 2026. Farmer said community support helps them keep going, with more volunteers joining the mission as of late.

“It has increased quite a bit. They do everything from laundry to walking dogs to making enrichment, all sorts of things, socializing cats,” Farmer said. “We wouldn’t be who we are without the community. It’s amazing. So we’re all one happy family.”

With so many pets in need, Farmer said there’s room for more help.

“We always take volunteers. You can stop by all the time. Check out our Facebook page at SEMO Pets or our website at semopets.org for our events. Donate monetary as well as all sorts of towels, blankets, those types of things, whatever you have even laying around.”

The shelter is also in great need of puppy food and Martingale collars.

Donations go to support animals like Dre, a ten-week-old puppy available for adoption.

Dre survived Parvo and is ready to find his forever home.

“If you’re looking to adopt a puppy or an adult dog, especially even some kittens, because it is kitten season right now, come on out to the shelter at 180 Weston in Cape Girardeau.”

People can also support the nonprofit by attending events like the upcoming Trivia Night in August.