Lost pet prevention tips

By Kristia Goodnight

Every year, around 10 million pets go missing in the United States. Without ID tags or microchips, just 15 percent of dogs and only 2 percent of cats find their way home. You can take steps to keep your lost pet from becoming a saddening statistic with these tips for Lost Pet Prevention Month.

How can I prevent my pet from getting lost?

Keeping your pet safe and close to home involves a mix of proactive steps and constant vigilance. Here are some easy tips to help you prevent your pet from wandering off:

• Microchip your pet: Microchippingis a permanent way to identify your pet. If they ever get lost, veterinary clinics and animal shelters can scan the chip and contact you.
• Use up-to-date pet ID tags: Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that has your current contact information. This is one of the fastest ways for someone to reach you if they find your pet.
• Practice recall training: Train your dog to come when called. This can stop them from running off and getting lost. Regular practice with recall cues helps reinforce this important behavior.
• Pet-proof your home: Secure windows, doors, and gaps in your fence. This makes it harder for your pet to slip out unnoticed.
• Keep your pet leashed while outside: Always use a leash when your pet is outside of a secure area to prevent them from running off if they get scared or distracted.
• Plan ahead for noisy events: Loud noises from events like fireworks or a natural disaster can frighten pets. Create a safe, quiet space for them, and consider using calming products if needed.
• Supervise your pets at all times: Keep an eye on your pet, especially in new places, to prevent them from wandering off or encountering danger.
• Spay and neuter your pets: This reduces the chance of your pet roaming in search of a mate, which can lead to them getting lost.
• Be safe in the car: Use a carrier or pet seat belt while traveling. This prevents your pet from escaping when you open the car door.
• Keep your pet’s documentation handy: Have up-to-date records of your pet’s microchip, vaccinations, and ID details.
• Never leave your pet unattended: Don’t leave your pet alone in public places, yards, or cars where they can easily escape or be taken.
• Make and maintain an escape-proof yard: Regularly check and fix any weak spots in your yard or enclosure to keep your pet from finding a way out.

Why is microchipping important for pets?

Microchipping your pet is a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping your pet safe - and helping you find them if they ever get lost. It’s a tiny device, implanted just under your pet’s skin.

Unlike collars and tags that can fall off or be removed, a microchip provides a permanent form of identification.

If your lost pet is found, any veterinary clinic or animal shelter can scan the microchip. The unique ID number on the chip links to your contact information, making it much easier to reunite you with your pet. Microchips are recognized by standard scanners used by vets and shelters worldwide, so your pet can be identified almost anywhere.

The procedure to have your pet microchipped is quick and painless. It's similar to a routine vaccination, causing minimal discomfort to your pet.

Knowing your pet has a microchip gives you peace of mind. Even if they slip out of their collar or escape from the yard, the microchip is a way they will be identified and returned to you.

In fact, microchipping is so important it is required in some areas and is often necessary for travel and boarding.

Microchipping is a simple, effective way to protect your pet and help them find their way back to you if they get lost. It’s a small investment in their safety and your peace of mind.

The Lifetime Protection Membership Plus includes many services, including Lost Pet Recovery Specialists and DirectConnect to find your missing pet faster.

Should I use a GPS pet tracker?

Using a GPS tracker for your pet can offer several benefits and provide added peace of mind for pet owners.

GPS trackers are compact devices that attach to your pet's collar, utilizing satellite technology to provide real-time location tracking. These trackers can be invaluable in quickly locating your pet if they wander off or go missing.

However, there are several considerations to keep in mind:

• GPS trackers require charging, so pet owners must keep the device regularly powered.
• They also rely on a subscription service for the tracking technology, which can be an additional cost.
• If you have a smaller pet, the size and weight of the tracker may not be appropriate or compatible.

A GPS tracker can be a valuable tool for keeping tabs on your pet’s whereabouts when used in combination with other safety measures, like microchipping and ID tags. While it requires some maintenance and investment, the peace of mind and security it offers can be well worth it.

What should I do if my pet goes missing?

Discovering that your pet is missing can be a stressful experience, but acting quickly and methodically can greatly increase the chances of a successful reunion.

Start by thoroughly searching your home and property, as pets often hide in unexpected places.

Once you’ve confirmed they are not at home, expand your search to your neighborhood. Call their name, use a familiar toy, or shake a treat bag to lure them out. Enlist the help of neighbors and inform them about your missing pet.

If your pet has a GPS tracker, use it to locate them, as many trackers provide real-time location data that can help you find your pet quickly.

Place your pet’s bed or litter box outside in a sheltered area, like near your front or back door. You can also include other items that carry your pet’s scent, like their favorite blanket or a piece of your worn clothing. The familiar scent can be comforting and attract your pet, especially if they are nearby and trying to find their way back.

Next, spread the word by using online resources. Post about your missing pet on social media platforms, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, and websites dedicated to lost pets. Share the post widely and ask friends and family to do the same. Many communities have local lost and found pet groups where you can post information about your pet.

Create missing pet posters with a clear, recent photo of your pet, their name, and your contact information, including details about any distinctive features. Distribute these posters in your local area.

Call local animal shelters, rescue groups, and veterinary clinics and tell them about your missing pet, providing them with a detailed description and a photo. Visit these places in person if possible, as descriptions over the phone may not be as effective.

If your pet is microchipped, contact the microchip company to report your pet as missing, and confirm that your contact information is up to date in their database. Many microchip companies have a network and can help broadcast the information.

Use pet recovery services, as many organizations specialize in locating lost pets and can offer additional support and resources.

Additionally, check local regulations and contact animal control or municipal animal services to see if your pet has been found and reported. Stay persistent and positive, continuing your search efforts daily.

Pets can be found weeks or even months after they go missing, so keep revisiting shelters, updating your posters, and sharing on social media.

Offering a reward for the safe return of your pet can also be helpful, but be cautious of scams.

Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience, but staying organized and proactive significantly improves the chances of bringing your beloved pet back home.

What should I do if I find a lost pet?

Finding a lost pet can be a stressful situation - both for you and the animal. You can take a few steps to handle it effectively and help return the pet to its owner.

First, keep the pet safe by approaching them slowly and calmly. Sudden movements or loud noises can frighten many animals. If the pet seems aggressive or scared, call animal control or a local shelter for assistance.

Once the pet is calm, look for ID tags on the pet’s collar. The tags might have the owner’s contact information, making it easy to reach out and arrange for the pet’s return.

If the pet doesn’t have ID tags, visit a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. The microchip might provide the owner's contact details.

Meanwhile, secure the pet in a safe area, such as your home or yard, away from other animals. Provide food, water, and a comfortable place to rest while you search for the owner.

Next, spread the word using social media and online resources. Post about the found pet on social media platforms, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, and lost and found pet websites. Include a clear photo, description, and where the pet was found. You can also create and distribute flyers locally in your neighborhood.

Notify local shelters and animal control about the found pet, providing a detailed description and your contact information in case the owner reaches out to them.

Additionally, check lost pet listings online and in local newspapers to see if someone is looking for the pet you found. Contact anyone who has posted a matching description.

If you are unable to find the pet’s owner right away, providing temporary care (if you’re able) can keep the pet calmer. This involves giving the pet a safe and comfortable place to stay while you continue your efforts to locate the owner.

Lost pet prevention

Taking proactive steps can greatly increase the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners – and preventing pets from getting lost in the first place.

We manage the largest pet registry database in the US. And, thanks to our microchip registry and DirectConnect services, we have reunited over 730,000 lost pets with their grateful families.

Join the Pet Protection Membership Plus to get the most benefits to not only keep your pet safe, but give them the best life.