National Lost Pet Prevention Month serves as a reminder to keep your pets safe and prevent them from getting lost. 1 in 3 pets go missing in a lifetime. To help prevent this further, National Lost Pet Prevention Month was started in 2014 to make owners aware of how to keep their pets safe.
6 Simple Steps to Keep Your Pets Safe –
- Microchip Your Pet –
Microchips are a radio-frequency identification transponder which each uniquely has its own identification number. It is injected into the dog’s skin and is permanent. By registering the dog’s microchip with a recovery service, the chip will have your contact information and can easily get to you if your dog has been lost and found.
- Make Sure Your Pet Has a Collar with ID Tags –
ID tags and collars are an easy way for someone to identify missing dogs while getting contact information to return them back to the owner.
- Make Your Home and Yard Secure –
To prevent pets from getting lost from their own home, check that fencing is appropriate in size so that your pet can’t squeeze through or jump over.
- Keep Pets on a Leash –
By having the correct size leash, you will easily be able to keep your pet close and have full control over where they go.
- Be Safe in a Vehicle – Never Leave them in a Hot Car
If your pet is known for jumping, be vigilant on how far the window is rolled down in the car. Do not leave your dog alone in the car as they can be stolen. Never leave them in a car during the warm spring, summer and fall months – it takes only minutes for the temperature to rise with catastrophic results.
- Report Missing or Found Pets –
Join in local social media groups to report your missing pets or pets you think may have gotten loose from their backyard and owners. Resources like Petco Love Lost and The Lost Cat Finder are national programs where you can enter a photo of your missing pet and search their national lost and found database to help find them. You can also report pets you have found through the site.
***
Ridgefield Operation Rescue (ROAR) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit rescue shelter providing rescued dogs and cats the services and medical care they need to be adopted into good homes, as well as therapy dog training programs and other services.
