Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lost - Key To Finding Missing Pets Is ID Tag
By Dr. Karen Halligan
Losing your pet can be a devastating experience. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent this from happening or, at least, ensure a safe return if it does.
Here are some tips to help protect your pets from getting lost:
Spay and neuter all pets. Both males and females are much less likely to wander if they have been altered. Spayed and neutered pets live longer, have fewer health problems and are happier in general.
Make sure all of your pets are wearing current identification tags. Make sure the writing on the tag is legible and accurate. Without any identification on your pet, they are helpless, may become homeless and your chances of recovering them are greatly reduced.
Make sure your yard is pet-proof so that your dogs cannot escape. Also, keep any gates locked so visitors do not accidentally leave them open.
Always have your pets on a leash and never let them roam free in the neighborhood.
Always transport your cats in a carrier. Make sure the carrier is sturdy and secure.
Take the time now to get good photos of all your pets. Since animals can sometimes look similar, get close up shots to show definition and detail.
Here are some tips on finding your pet if they are lost:
Start your search immediately. Acting quickly can help ensure the likelihood of getting your pet back safe and sound.
Search your property thoroughly. Sometimes cats and dogs can hide in very small places.
Start walking the neighborhood and talk to everybody. Create and pass out flyers that have a picture of your pet with a contact number to reach you.
Place flyers at the post offices, libraries, and pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, grocery stores, laundromats, convenience stores, near schools and on school bulletin boards.
Go around the area calling out to your pet. Shake a box of biscuits or treats and/or use your pet's favorite squeaky toy to make some noise.
Place an ad in your local newspaper. Advertise in the Sunday paper, as well as during the week.
Check the newspaper found ads every day.
Place some of your clothes outside your home to attract your pet. The smellier the better. Sweaty gym clothes work great.
Call Animal Control, humane societies, the police, local radio stations and veterinary clinics, including emergency hospitals, in your area.
Ask postal workers and UPS drivers if they have seen your pet. Be sure to show them pictures.
Don't give up! Pets can show up months after being lost from their home.
Remember the single most important safeguard you can do for your pet is to make sure they are wearing a current identification tag with your correct phone number on it. This simple task could save your pet's life.
Content provided by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. For more information, visit spcaLA.com.
