The best way to find a lost pet is never to lose them in the first place, but animals are wily, and sometimes they take to scampering off. Whether it’s the call of the wild, an attractive mate in heat down the road, an antagonistic squirrel that must be caught, or simply the need to wander, some pets just can’t help but go missing now and then.
Knowing animals can love their walkabouts, what’s the best way to protect them in a world where they might be hurt, or get turned around and not find their way home?
Spay and neuter.
One of the biggest reasons animals wander is their need to find a mate and procreate. Animals in heat naturally wander to search out a diverse mate for their litter, and males are always on the prowl for frisky business. Dog neutering, dog spaying, cat neutering, and cat spaying is a low-cost way to improve behavior and health, and keep animal populations under control to prevent animal homelessness.
Use a leash.
Most counties and states have leash laws, but even if you’re tempted to go for a walk without a leash, please don’t. Letting your dog or cat roam free isn’t necessarily considerate of neighbors and passers-by who may not want to interact with your pet. Leashing when outside is ultimately the easiest way to keep your dog or cat from getting lost.
Get a microchip.
Microchipping is inexpensive—we do them for a very low cost at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals—and only takes a few seconds and will last forever. Chips are smaller than a grain of rice, and are a fast, easy, permanent way to identify your pet and give them the best chance of finding their way back to you if they are ever lost or stolen.
Engrave a tag.
Tags on collars should have your pet’s name, your name, and your phone number. That way, it’s easy for anyone who finds your pet to know who the animal belongs to and get in touch with you. If your pet is lost without a tag or microchip, their odds of ending up in a shelter, becoming homeless, or being injured by cars is extremely high.
Transport them in sturdy carriers when traveling.
When taking Fido or Fluffy on a trip, transport them to and from the car in a reliable, sturdy crate. This will keep them from jumping out windows or scurrying out when the door is open, and it will also keep them safer when inside the car.
Taking simple, inexpensive measures to protect your pet is every pet-parent’s responsibility. If you keep an eye on your pet and don’t let them wander.
