Lost Pet Prevention
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR PET FROM GETTING LOST
According to the National Council of Pet Population Study & Policy and the National Humane Society, a family pet is lost every two seconds in North America. The organizations also report that more than 10 million pets are lost each year and one out of three pets will be lost during its lifetime. However, only one in 10 pets is found. With just a few preventative measures, you can help ensure your pet remains safe and with you.
Never let them go naked
Your pet should always be wearing their collar with proper identification tags. The first thing people check for on a lost dog is to see if they have a collar with their ID tag. An ID tag should include your pets name, your name, and at least one phone number to contact you. If your dog is microchipped, including the information on your microchip company and their phone number on a second tag can be helpful. Also, confirm that your contact information is up-to-date on the microchip company’s records so they can reach you if your lost pet is found.
Secure their area
Building a screened-in porch for your indoor cat or building a sturdy fence so your dogs can’t dig under or jump over is the best way to secure the area they are in. Keep all gates to the fence closed and even locked in case your dog can manage to open them. If building a fence isn’t an option, a tie out gives both cats and dogs room to explore outside without wandering too far. Just be sure to always provide easy access to fresh water and shelter or shade while your dog is tied out.
Keep them on a leash
Many cats and dogs get lost in the process of transporting them somewhere, especially somewhere unpleasant such as the vet. Keeping them on a leash while going to and from the car reduces their chance of escaping before entering the building. If you are taking your dog into pet-friendly environments such as a park or restaurants, having them on a leash will keep them from wandering too far when exploring new scents or animals. Make sure that you are using a proper leash and collar for the type of pet you have. It's also important to ensure that your dog's collar is snug enough that they can't slip out of it if they decide to tug.
Proper Training
Although we may think ours can be, we know that no pet is perfect all the time. Teaching your pet at an early age that bad behavior, such as going beyond the boundaries (door dashing) or removing his collar, is unacceptable, will cut down on the likelihood that a pet will choose to wander, even when the opportunity presents itself. Pets are family and it’s our responsibility as pet parents to keep them safe, secure and out of harm’s way. With just a few preventative steps, you can help to ensure your pet doesn’t get out, get lost, or is able to be returned to you if they do.
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