Having little trouble controlling your pet? Well, pets love adventure and look for the opportunity to run freely. You never know when your four-legged family member may slip out the door or out of the yard.
What you can do is to be prepared and take preventive measures. Here are a few steps that you can do to prevent losing your pet.
●ID Tags
ID tags make it very convenient for anyone to identify your pet and get your contact information immediately. It is important for pets to wear collars with attached ID tags at all times. You can use a custom collar with your name and up-to-date phone number.
● Microchips
You obviously want your pet to be safe. You can consider having your pet microchipped. A microchip is only about the size of a grain of rice. These chips are designed to last your pet’s entire lifetime. The microchip is encoded with unique and current identification and is implanted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. Your pet can be scanned and anyone can get in touch with you.
A quick note from ASPCA: “Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat.” Many strays are lost pets that were not provided with identification.
●Check fences for holes
You need to dog-proof your outdoor space including the backyard. No pet parent can afford to have holes in fences. Choosing the right fence in your yard is an important decision. If you want to enjoy surrounding landscape views, an underground fence allows your pet to see outside of the yard and does not obstruct the view.
●Supervise outdoor play
Don’t allow your pet access to unsupervised outdoor areas. Make sure your garden gate remains closed. You should never leave your pet outside unattended, no matter what type of fence you install in your yard. If you take your pets outdoors, keep an eye on them and their surroundings, particularly in unfamiliar locations.
●Spay/neuter
Pets that are sexually intact will roam as they are looking to fulfill the natural instinct to mate. Experts suggest that pets that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to wander off in search of a mate and potentially get lost. By spaying or neutering your pets, you will remove this desire to escape and roam.
Quick fact: According to the ASPCA, only 10% of animals received by shelters are spayed or neutered.
Final thoughts
You should be mindful of the risks and threats in your neighborhood and plan accordingly. It’s better to introduce your pet to neighbors when on walks. It will help the neighbors to recognize your pet and return it if they see him roaming around without you.
Do you have any additional tips to prevent your pet from getting lost? Share your thoughts with us. We would be happy to hear from you.
