Be Proactive. Safeguard Your Pets Before They Are Lost

The best time to protect your pet is before they become lost.
 Here is a checklist of things to do, just in case:

1.       I.D. Your Dog
Your dog should wear an identification tag with your name, address and phone number at all times. OR
Instead of your pet's name and your address on the ID tag, use the word "REWARD" and as many phone numbers as you can fit. This will increase the chances of your dog being returned to you if he is lost or runs away. If someone finds your pet when the shelter's closed, an ID tag with your phone number speeds up the reunion.

 

2.       Consider Microchips or Tattoos
Microchips and tattoos are methods of permanently identifying your dog or cat, and can be invaluable in recovering your pet should they become lost. If you're going to have your pet microchipped, find out what chip scanners are used at the shelters in your area, and make sure your pet is implanted with a chip that can be read using that brand of scanner.
Important: When you take your pet to the vet each year for their yearly checkups, ask the vet to check to make sure that the microchip is still working.

3.       Roaming Free
Never allow your pets to roam free in the neighborhood. Leash them at all times.

4.       Check your fences and gates.
Are there loose or missing boards or enticing gaps at the baseline that could be opened up with a little digging? Are latches secure, with locks in place? Fix them all. If you have children going in and out all the time, invest in a device that pulls the gate closed automatically. If possible keep fence gates securely locked.

5.       Invisible Fence
Check the battery on a regular basis. Weak or dead batteries result in you pet getting out.  Check the fit of the collar on a regular basis. Check your pets coat on a regular basis. Hair mats or a heavy coat will result in your pet escaping.

6.       Travel Safely
Keep your dog safe in the car by using a crate, or by attaching the dog to a seat belt with a harness. Never let your dog ride free in the back of a pickup truck, or allow him to hang his head out of the car window. Always transport a cat in a carrier.

7.       Take Pictures
Plan for the worst. Keep current, clear pictures of your pets on hand — you need them to throw together a flyer in an emergency. If you lose your pet, put flyers everywhere you can and place a lost ad in the newspaper right away — don't waste precious time hoping your pet will wander home.

8.       Your information
Make sure you can be located when your pet is found. Keep your personal information and your alternate contact information up to date with your microchip company.

9.       Find a Pet-Sitter or Boarding Kennel
Make arrangements for your dog's care when you go away. Have a friend or reliable pet-sitter come over to tend to the pets, or find a good kennel for boarding. If you opt for boarding, try to inspect the facilities before you drop off your pets.

10.    Prepare for Disaster
Be prepared to care for your pet in the event of a disaster such as fire, flood, hurricane or earthquake. Make an emergency kit with clean water, food, and first aid equipment. Find out in advance if the evacuation shelters in your area allow animals. If not, develop alternatives. See "Emergency Supply Check List For Pets"

11.    Establish an Emergency Contact
Enlist a family member or friend to take care of your pets in the event of a sudden illness, hospitalization or other emergency. This person should ideally be someone your pets has spent some time with and is comfortable with. Leave a list of general care instructions in a safe place.

12.    Make a Will
You should make arrangements for the safety and care of your pets in the event of your death. Don't assume that a family member will step in to take care of them.