5 Ways to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Lost

There are few things more traumatic than having a pet become lost. Animals that run away can often be hurt or injured, and no one wants their pet out of their lives even for a few hours! It always pays off to prepare beforehand to ensure this doesn’t happen, and fortunately there are plenty of ways to minimize the risk of a runaway animal.

Here are five ways you can help prevent your pet from getting lost.

1. Acquaint Your Animal with its Living Space

One of the most common reasons for runaway pets is moving to a new home or space because your pet is unfamiliar with their new environment. This means they may run away to try and get “home,” or where they are more familiar with. It can help your pet to lead them around a new home or yard, and allow time to smell and experience their new home. Give the animal time to realize it has a new safe space to live, to help reduce problems before they even begin. As an additional bonus, this can also relax your animal and help them be more relaxed in their new environment.

2. Neuter Your Pets

Another common reason many male animals will run away is the desire to find a female. This can lead to multiple problems aside from getting lost, so a smart preventative tip is to make sure your animal is neutered to help curb that impulse. The good news is that it’s relatively inexpensive; most vets and the ASPCA will charge between $40 to $100 for the procedure. According to the ASPCA, it’s also is best done between six and nine months old for dogs.

3. Make Sure to have Identification on the Animal

It’s always advisable to microchip your pet and have them wear a collar with identification
tags. There are two reasons for this. The first is if someone on the street finds your pet and they still have their collar on, it’s easier for them to call you to return your pet. The second is if your pet manages to slip their collar, they can be taken to a vet or shelter to have their chip scanned, so having them microchipped is a must have back-up plan to ensure they find their way home.

4. Secure the Areas Your Pet Spends its Time

Many pets attempt to escape from their homes, be it from a yard, car, or house. Make sure that yards are surrounded by high fences and any gaps they might escape from are closed off. Car windows should be secured to prevent pets from escaping out windows and homes should follow the same rules as a yard with major exits closed when not in use. It seems commonsense, but a little awareness about the boundaries of your pets living space can help keep them safe and secure.

5. If Your Pet Escapes, Check Local Rescues and Shelters

According to the ASPCA, 710,000 stray animals a year that enter shelters are actually pets that are returned to their owners! Shelters, rescues, and humane societies deal with lost and stray pets all the time as part of the great work they do finding animals new home. If you have lost your pet, make sure to give your local rescues or shelters a call or visit to see if they ended up there. Also, be sure to leave “lost pet” fliers with them so they know to be on the lookout for your pet.

Have you ever lost a pet? Were you able to bring him or her home? Leave a comment and share your experience with us!