DAYTON, Ohio -- Officials at the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center said they have picked up nearly three dozen stray animals that might have run away out of firework fear.

The booms and blasts of Independence Day fireworks draw a lot of people, but Animal Resource Director Mark Kumpf said pets can become frightened from the loud booms and bright lights.

“Your pets are not going to enjoy it as much as you do. Fireworks, loud noises and big crowds are not pets’ best friends,” Kumpf said.

He said a lot of people make mistakes by taking their pets to big fireworks shows.

“Animals have two things they can do. Run or attack when there is loud noise. Nothing to bite so they turn and run,” Kumpf said.

Leaving them at home, inside and out, can also pose problems too because they could jump through windows, screen doors and even jump fences.

He said so many of the pets end up at the Animal Resource Center. Officials had dozens of empty cages ready to hold runaway pets during the holiday weekend.

“Actually, the fifth of July is the busiest day for animal control. Lots of stray or lost pets end up in the street and end up in shelters,” Kumpf said.

The shelter is expected to be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for people looking for stray pets and will reopen Monday at 10 a.m.