As Fourth of July celebrations approach, the San Diego Humane Society is urging pet owners to take steps to keep their animals safe during fireworks displays.

The organization reminds residents that Independence Day is the time of year when the highest number of pets go missing. Loud fireworks and holiday festivities can frighten dogs and cats, causing many to run away from home.

Last year alone, between July 4 and July 7, the San Diego Humane Society took in 253 lost pets. Of those, only 84, or 33 percent, were reunited with their families.

The organization says proper identification greatly increases the chances of a lost pet returning home. So far this year, 63 percent of stray dogs with a microchip, license, or ID tag have been reunited with their owners. By comparison, only 27 percent of dogs without any form of identification were reclaimed.

The Humane Society recommends microchipping pets, making sure their ID tags have current contact information, consulting a veterinarian if a pet experiences anxiety during fireworks, and keeping animals indoors during the loudest parts of the celebration. Pet owners are also encouraged to create a quiet, secure space where their animals can feel safe.

As part of its Fourth of July campaign, the San Diego Humane Society is offering free microchipping through July 3 at its campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and San Diego. Appointments are encouraged, but there is no charge for the service.

Residents within the organization's service area can also obtain or renew their dog's license online.

If a pet goes missing, the Humane Society recommends texting "LOST" to 858-SAN-LOST and checking the organization's Lost Pets webpage. Reclaim fees for lost pets will be waived at all Humane Society campuses through July 7.

The San Diego Humane Society will be closed on July 4 and will reopen at 10 a.m. on July 5. However, anyone who needs to bring in a stray pet or reclaim a lost pet on Independence Day can visit a campus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 619-299-7012, press 1, and a staff member will come outside to assist them.