June 14 Road Closures and Pet Safety Tips During the Army Parade

As part of our commitment to keeping local pet parents informed, Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® is sharing an important community update ahead of the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025. If you live in or near Arlington, VA—or are traveling through D.C. that weekend—here’s what to expect and how to prepare, especially if your pet is sensitive to loud noises.

Event Overview: Army 250th Birthday Celebration on the National Mall

The U.S. Army will commemorate its 250th anniversary with a full-day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

This large-scale event is expected to draw significant crowds, impacting traffic throughout the D.C. metro area.

Road Closures and Travel Impacts (Starting Friday Evening)

Residents and pet parents should be aware of the following closures and delays:

• George Washington Parkway and Arlington Memorial Bridge will be closed

• Washington Boulevard (Route 50 to the Pentagon) will be closed from Friday at 6:00 p.m. through Saturday at 10:00 p.m.

• Mount Vernon Trail will experience partial closures

• Reagan National Airport (DCA) may experience delays Saturday evening due to airspace restrictions during the fireworks

If you plan to travel into D.C. or near the National Mall area, we recommend adjusting your schedule and allowing extra time.

Pet Sitting Services Will Continue Without Disruption

We are proud to continue serving our core service areas in Ballston, Clarendon, and Rosslyn with no interruption. All scheduled pet visits for June 14 will proceed as planned. Our team has reviewed traffic logistics to ensure timely and reliable care.

If you are unsure whether your address is affected or have questions about your upcoming service, please contact us directly through our Client Portal.

Pet Safety During Fireworks and Loud Events

Even though the primary July 4 celebrations are still weeks away, the fireworks planned for the Army parade may still cause stress for sensitive pets. Common signs of noise sensitivity include shaking, hiding, panting, pacing, or vocalizing.

To help your pet stay calm:

• Keep pets indoors in a secure, quiet space

• Use a sound machine, TV, or fan to mask outdoor noise

• Offer high-value treats, puzzles, or toys as enrichment

• Avoid evening walks between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

For more information on managing pet anxiety, explore these resources:

• How to Calm an Anxious Pet (PS4C Blog)

• Fear Free Happy Homes – a national resource for reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets

Staying Connected with Our Arlington Pet Care Community

Since 2016, Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® has been proud to serve local families with Fear Free Certified® care for dogs, cats, and small animals. Whether you're a long-time client or new to our services, we remain committed to providing trusted support—especially during busy event weekends like this one.

To learn more about our pet care approach, visit our About Us page or browse our full list of Pet Sitting Services.

Thank you for being part of our community. Stay safe, plan ahead, and give your pets extra love and support this weekend.

—Steve & Hong

Co-Founders and Lead Pet Care SpecialistsPet Sitting 4 Comfort®

Family-Owned. Fear Free Certified. Trusted Since 2016.