TIPS: HOW TO PREVENT YOUR PET
FROM GOING MISSING
Most pet owners never think they will lose a pet. But the fact is that dogs, cats, birds and other pets can escape from their owners care very easily. Here are some tips to help reduce the odds that your pet will become lost and increase the odds that they will be found if he/she does escape. These prevention tips may take some time and money but it's worth the investment to be prepared.
1) Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tags at all times. Even indoor only pets need tags. Your pets ID tag should have your name and a telephone number where you're easily reached. Including a second telephone number or the number of a friend or relative is also a good idea. You should also have your pet's current vaccination tags on their collar as well. Take a permanent marker and write your phone number on your pets’ collar. That way if they lose their tags, they still have a phone number on them. Make sure your pets’ collar and/or harness is snug and cannot slip over its head. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pet's neck.
If you are concerned about your cat's collar becoming caught on something, purchase a break-away collar.
2) Microchip your pet. While it is not a guarantee, microchipping substantially increases the likelihood of a pet returning home by offering secure, reliable, unique and permanent identification.
3) Be alert and be aware of circumstances. Always be aware of your pet’s whereabouts when you enter or exit your home and yard. Many pets enjoy stalking the doorway, waiting for a brief opening to escape. This is also true when company is over, as your visitors might not be as cautious guarding the doorway as your family members, and the extra commotion around the house might make your pets nervous and even more inclined to attempt an escape.
4) Make sure your pet is never unsupervised outdoors. The simplest way to keep your pet safe is to be able to see where he is at all times. You may think your dog or cat is playing in your fenced-in backyard, but if you don’t have an eye on him, he could have run out of a gate that was left open, dig a hole under the fence to freedom, or be stolen. If you’re walking your dog, don’t tie him up to the parking meter outside your favorite store or coffee shop while you run errands. Your dog could slip his collar, chew through his leash, or be stolen.
5) Survey and secure your property. Make sure there are no gaps or loose boards under your fence and that your fence is in good repair. Make sure there is nothing against the fence that your dog or cat can jump onto, and then over the fence.
6) Ensure you have proof of ownership. Take pictures of your pet. You always want to have a few current pictures in case of emergency. If your pet goes to the groomer, make sure you have pictures showing the different lengths of hair. Not everyone can imagine what your pet may look like with a different haircut. Also, make sure your veterinarian has a current photo of your pet.
7) Have your pets spayed / neutered. Pets who are still intact will roam because they are looking to fulfill the natural instinct to mate. Spaying / neutering will eliminate this desire and make it easier to keep them at home.
8) Keep your pets inside when unpredictable weather or other events are occurring. Use extra caution and secure your pets when storms are approaching or around other loud noises such as fireworks, construction or home renovations.
9) Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Your pet could be stolen if someone thinks it deserves a better owner who would never leave it alone in a vehicle or your pet could get loose or lost if a thief breaks into your vehicle.
10) Provide safe transportation. Confining your pet in the car with either a travel crate or safety belt can help ensure they are not ejected from the car if you are in an accident. It will also prevent them from bolting when you arrive at your destination.
1) Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tags at all times. Even indoor only pets need tags. Your pets ID tag should have your name and a telephone number where you're easily reached. Including a second telephone number or the number of a friend or relative is also a good idea. You should also have your pet's current vaccination tags on their collar as well. Take a permanent marker and write your phone number on your pets’ collar. That way if they lose their tags, they still have a phone number on them. Make sure your pets’ collar and/or harness is snug and cannot slip over its head. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pet's neck.
If you are concerned about your cat's collar becoming caught on something, purchase a break-away collar.
2) Microchip your pet. While it is not a guarantee, microchipping substantially increases the likelihood of a pet returning home by offering secure, reliable, unique and permanent identification.
3) Be alert and be aware of circumstances. Always be aware of your pet’s whereabouts when you enter or exit your home and yard. Many pets enjoy stalking the doorway, waiting for a brief opening to escape. This is also true when company is over, as your visitors might not be as cautious guarding the doorway as your family members, and the extra commotion around the house might make your pets nervous and even more inclined to attempt an escape.
4) Make sure your pet is never unsupervised outdoors. The simplest way to keep your pet safe is to be able to see where he is at all times. You may think your dog or cat is playing in your fenced-in backyard, but if you don’t have an eye on him, he could have run out of a gate that was left open, dig a hole under the fence to freedom, or be stolen. If you’re walking your dog, don’t tie him up to the parking meter outside your favorite store or coffee shop while you run errands. Your dog could slip his collar, chew through his leash, or be stolen.
5) Survey and secure your property. Make sure there are no gaps or loose boards under your fence and that your fence is in good repair. Make sure there is nothing against the fence that your dog or cat can jump onto, and then over the fence.
6) Ensure you have proof of ownership. Take pictures of your pet. You always want to have a few current pictures in case of emergency. If your pet goes to the groomer, make sure you have pictures showing the different lengths of hair. Not everyone can imagine what your pet may look like with a different haircut. Also, make sure your veterinarian has a current photo of your pet.
7) Have your pets spayed / neutered. Pets who are still intact will roam because they are looking to fulfill the natural instinct to mate. Spaying / neutering will eliminate this desire and make it easier to keep them at home.
8) Keep your pets inside when unpredictable weather or other events are occurring. Use extra caution and secure your pets when storms are approaching or around other loud noises such as fireworks, construction or home renovations.
9) Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Your pet could be stolen if someone thinks it deserves a better owner who would never leave it alone in a vehicle or your pet could get loose or lost if a thief breaks into your vehicle.
10) Provide safe transportation. Confining your pet in the car with either a travel crate or safety belt can help ensure they are not ejected from the car if you are in an accident. It will also prevent them from bolting when you arrive at your destination.
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