A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
Losing a pet is every parent’s nightmare. Dan Barton gives simple tips to prevent your pet from running away and to find them if they do:
1. How can pet owners prevent their pets from running away?
-Teach your pet they cannot go through a door/threshold until given a permission word (such as “okay”).
-Always leash your pet or put him in a carrier when going to the car.
-Leash your dog while on a walk, especially if your dog does not know the “come” command.
-Make sure your pet is secured in a safety harness or crate when being transported. Pets often jump out car windows or doors. This will also prevent them from running into traffic in the event of a car accident.
-Make sure outdoor fences are properly maintained and secure. Some dogs and cats can jump or climb over fences, so make sure they are high enough to avoid this problem. The best thing to do is always supervise your pet when outside.
2. Should pets that are always indoors still wear a collar with an ID tag?
Definitely. The following tags should always been worn: Rabies, name/phone, and microchip tag.
If your dog becomes lost, most veterinarians and shelters first check for a microchip. This chip is implanted just under your pet’s skin, and is the size of a grain of rice. When scanned, the microchip gives your contact information. Countless pets have been returned home because of having a microchip. The cost of implementation varies by vet, but many offer clinics where the price is discounted. Sometimes there is a small annual fee for keeping the microchip registered. Update your information with the microchipping company as needed.
In the event that a pet’s tags may become disconnected from a collar, embroider your dog’s name and your phone number on the collar.
3. Who can pet owners contact if their pet is lost?
-Always contact local veterinarians and shelters first. And keep inquiring! Some shelters have a short waiting period before your pet will be adopted out or euthanized.
-Don’t dismiss the power of a flier. Make sure you include a clear picture of your pet, all describing information (age, color, etc.), and your contact information. Also, include a blurb about your pet’s personality, i.e. he may growl, but won’t bite, etc. Post them at a child’s eye level. Many times, children are more observant of animals. Post them at local establishments, as well.
-Take to Facebook, Craigslist and Twitter! This is a great way to spread your message quickly to your neighborhood. Recently, country singer Dierks Bentley posted to Facebook that his dog had escaped during a storm. Within a short time, his dog was found.
4. What other tips do you have for finding a lost pet?
-Don’t give up.
-Check every possible hiding place around your home. Sometimes cats and dogs can inadvertently get locked in closets, where they are found safely taking a nap.