National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Microchip Your Pet
With today’s technology, tracking your missing dog or cat has never been easier. Microchips allow more people to reunite with their lost pets. If your pet loses its collar and ends up lost, a vet or shelter can scan for the microchip, which will contain the following:
- the pet’s name
- the owner’s contact information
- the pet’s primary vet or shelter information
Collar with Tags
It may seem obvious, but some people forget how extremely vital it is for your pet to not only have a secure collar, but also have a dog tag. Loose collars can fall off and, over time, become torn and wear down. Therefore, make sure to check your dog’s collar to find an even balance between secure and comfortable.
Additionally, dog tags make it extremely easy for someone to identify your pet and their contact information immediately on sight.
Use a Leash
If you are in an open area but still want access to your pet from a distance, consider a retractable leash or a long leash. These provide your pet with more freedom while still keeping them safely attached to you.
However, shorter leashes are more ideal if you are going for a walk in the park where other animals might be present. This way you can regulate your pet with more ease.
Secure Your Yard and Home
If you let your pet into the yard, make sure you double check the fencing around your property. The right height fence depending on the size of your dog is necessary so they are unable to jump over it.
Additionally, a good way to prevent your pet from digging its way out is with rocks or chicken wire lining the bottom of the fence. Check for loose panels as well to prevent your dog from squeezing through the fence.
Spaying or Neutering
Male dogs that are not neutered have a higher tendency to seek out females.
Therefore, an un-neutered dog is more likely to wander off from your home and get lost trying to seek out female dogs. This can lead to a higher risk of getting hit by cars.
So, What Do I Do if My Pet Gets Lost?
The following are few things you can do:
- Look for them. Walk around your home or where they went missing and call their name. If your pet doesn’t come back within a few minutes, you will want to move to the next steps.
- Call your local animal shelters. This is essential because people might find your pet and bring them into a shelter. Call all of your local shelters, beginning with the city or town’s Animal Resource Center, as this is typically where they go first.
- Post on social media. Most cities have some kind of lost pet resource page for missing and found animals. Post to your personal page as well, and encourage your friends to share.
- Put up lost pet flyers. Someone nearby might have seen or unknowingly taken your pet in.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind for National Lost Pet Prevention Month. For more information on microchips, spaying or neutering, contact us here at All Pets with the link below!
