July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month!
And with July coming to an end, Help Pet Shelters wanted to provide you with a helpful checklist you can use for the rest of the year to ensure you will not lose your faithful companion.
Here are some valuable tips to help keep your furry friend safe at home!
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- Microchip your dog (or cat!)
Microchipping is relatively inexpensive and can often be subsidized by your local humane society, thanks to generous animal donors who want to help make sure pets aren’t lost. - Get a collar with Dog ID tags
We’ve helped lost pets get home, thanks to pet parents who have thought ahead and provided contact information in the event that their pets get lost. This is a really great way to avoid heartache. - Teach your pet how to “come” and “stay”
Teaching your dog these simple commands from an early age can help your dog become a good listener. Pets that are easily distracted or excited tend to take off leaving you searching for your lost companion, however, if they are trained they are more likely to listen to your commands. - Keep your dog on a leash
Keeping your dog on a leash is the easiest way to ensure you know your pets whereabouts. The leash will help provide you peace of mind while protecting your dog and other dogs around you. - Keep your yard at home secure
Having a yard that is not secure is one of the most common ways your pet can get lost. Double check the fencing around your property, making sure it is the proper height, it’s secure around the bottom and that all the panels are tightly latched so your pet can’t squeeze through. Another option is to install an electric fence. - Make sure to spay or neuter your pet
Getting your pet spayed or neutered helps to calm your pet and makes them less likely to wander away to mate. This also helps with overpopulation, and will help stray pets from ending up in shelters. - Keep your eyes on your pet at all times
The simplest tip of all. If you are out with your pet, make sure you are able to see them at all times! This will help you not lose your furry friend. - Be safe in the car
Monitor your pets behavior in the car. Be mindful when you have the windows open and when you open the car door that is an easy way for your pet to escape. Most importantly, NEVER leave your pet in the car unattended! - Keep your pet’s documentation easily available
If your dog gets lost having all important information easily available can help quicken the process of their safe return. Some examples of documentation would be proof of ownership, any shelter and vaccination records as well as up to date photos. - Practice inside safety, when you are not home keep them indoors
It’s important for your pet to get outdoor time. But when you are not home, keep your pet indoors. This can help ensure that your pet doesn’t escape and you will know they are safe at home.
- Microchip your dog (or cat!)
The inspiration for this blog post came from DogTime.Com.