We’ve posted before about what to do if your pet gets lost. And while we certainly hope that you never have to look at that post, we want you to be prepared in case your pet is lost.
We also want to help you do everything you can to make sure your pet doesn’t become lost.
Here’s our list of three best practices to help prevent your pet from becoming lost:
Microchipping
Microchips are tiny computer chips which store an identification number that is tied to the pet owner’s contact information. Microchips are extremely useful in reuniting pets with their owners, especially if tags or collars are damaged or lost.
Most veterinarian offices and shelters are able to implant microchips and scan microchips when new animals come in.
Prices vary depending on where you have the procedure done.
It is important to keep contact information up-to-date so that you can be easily reached if your pet is lost. Some of the contact information to keep updated includes
- Name,
- Phone Number,
- Address, and
- Email.
For more information on the microchipping procedure, check out our blog.
Obedience Classes
Obedience and training classes offer valuable information for pets and pet owners when it comes to keeping pets at home.
These classes teach owners
- Pet care tips,
- Activities to do with pets,
- Safety information, and
- Ways to reduce careless mistakes.
Obedience trained animals are also more likely to
- Stop on command,
- Return when they are called,
- Walk calmly, and
- Respond civilly to other animals.
If you decide to train your pet, we recommend taking classes when you they are young or when you first adopt your pet. This will establish household rules and teach good behavior early on.
Supervise Your Pet
We’ve found that someone people believe that because they have a gated/fenced yard or because their pet is on a leash that they don’t need to keep an eye on their pet while the pet is in the yard.
We disagree!
Even in places that we consider to be safe, such as the backyard, the house, or the car, are places that your pet can escape from and become lost.
Here are our tips for keeping your pet supervised:
- Stay in the yard with your pet at all times,
- Leash pets anytime they are outside the house,
- Never leave your pet alone in a car, and
- When going away for long trips, hire a pet sitter or take your pet to a daycare center.