5 Things To Do To Ensure You Never Lose Your Pet
Andrea Powell
10 million pets are lost in the United States every year, which is about one pet every 2 seconds. This is one of every pet parent's biggest fears.
Dogs and cats are more than pets, they are beloved family members. July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month, so we found some simple things you can do to prevent losing your pet and increase your odds of being reunited if they happen to run away.
Microchip & ID Tag
A microchip will help reunite lost pets with their worried owners if they are ever separated. Millions of lost pets end up at shelters who scan for a microchip and check for ID tags. As long as the information associated with the chip/tag is up to date, lost dogs and cats can be reunited with their families.
Pets without proper identification or a microchip have a much smaller percentage of being found. According to American Humane, "only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats in shelters without ID tags or microchips are reunited with their owners."
ID tags should be placed on your pet's collar or harness and have contact information like name and phone number. This includes indoor pets. Several lost pets are indoor cats who escaped out an open door and end up at a shelter.
Photo: Pexels/Norma Gabriela Galván
Make sure to update your information on your pet's microchip if you move or change phone numbers. Contact the pet microchip registry your pet is registered with to make any changes.
Always walk on a leash
Some dog breeds have a high prey drive or follow their nose into trouble. One easy way to make sure Fido stays by your side on a walk is to always use a leash.
Keep them safe and secure by using a leash every time you head out for a walk or hike. Most parks and trails require dogs to be on a leash for everyone's safety.
Fenced Backyard
Photo: Pixabay/StockSnapDogs love to run and play off leash and the safest option is in a fenced backyard or fenced dog park. That way you can let Fido zoom around and sniff to his heart's content without worrying about him running off. However, be sure to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't dig a hole or find a way to escape the backyard when you aren't looking.
Also, make sure the gate is always closed.
Proper Training
Teaching your dog to come when called is not only helpful in everyday life but can be vital if they ever run away. A dog who knows basic commands is more likely to listen when you ask them to "stay", "sit", or "come". They are also less likely to pull on the leash after going through an obedience class.
The best way to start training Fido to come when called is in a calm environment with no distractions and with positive reinforcement. Use their name and slowly work your way into the more hectic environments.
American Kennel Club shared, 'When teaching your dog to come, say their name once and the command once (“Fido, come!”). Don’t keep repeating their name or "come," as your pup may tune you out, and the command may eventually lose any meaning.'
They went on to say, "Your dog should be able to come when called at least eight or nine times out of ten in each environment before you move to another setting."
Pet Travel Safety
When traveling with your cat make sure they are secured in a well-ventilated pet carrier. For those traveling with dogs, make sure they are inside the vehicle and use a dog seat belt attached to a harness or car seat to ensure they are unable to leap out of the vehicle.
Never put your dog in the bed of a truck or leave them alone inside a vehicle. These are both dangerous and potentially deadly mistakes.
Don't forget to share this with family and friends so more dogs and cats can stay safe or be reunited with their loving families.
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