During this Fourth of July weekend, the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services has some recommendations to keep Angelenos’ furry friends safe and prevent them from ending up in shelters.

The department reminded residents in the city that fireworks are illegal, and should be kept away from pets. To report fireworks in your neighborhood, residents can call Los Angeles Police Department’s non-emergency number at 877-257-5273 or file a complain online at complaint.lacity.org/Complaint/fireworks/.

Pet owners should avoid feeding their pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Some common foods can be potentially toxic to pets such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough.

Another tip the department offered is to create a calm space for pets. According to the department, it is best to ensure pets remain indoors and in an enclosed room, and to make sure gates or fences are secure if animals are allowed outside.

The department encouraged pet owners to microchip their animals, or provide their pets with a tag with up-to-date identification.

City officials noted that the Fourth of July weekend can result in more pets becoming lost and being placed in shelters while their owners look for them.

According to an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ survey, about half of missing dogs and a third of missing cats were found by searching their local neighborhoods. Pet owners can also register their pets on Petco Love Lost, a free database that uses photo-matching technology that can help reunite lost pets with their families.

The department encouraged individuals, who are able to do so, to provide temporary home care for lost or stray companion animals in their neighborhood through the Shelter-at-Home program. The program expands LA Animal Services’ foster program and increases community involvement in helping animals find their owners while enabling pets to be held in less stressful environments.

If a member of the community finds a lost pet, is unable to locate the owner, and is unable to provide temporary foster care, please call 888-452-7381 and make an appointment to bring the pet to the closest Animal Services Center.

If the pet appears sick or injured, please bring him/her to the closest Animal Services Center immediately.

The city’s six animal shelters are open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. LA Animal Services will be closed on Friday to observe the Fourth of July.