Lost
pets are a major cause of heartbreak for many families. Here
are a few suggestions to help keep your pet safe at home:
1. Spay and neuter all pets. Spayed and neutered dogs and
cats are less likely to wander off compared to un-neutered
animals. This is only one of the many benefits to your pet.
2. All pets should have an identification tag on the collar.
The tag should have the animals name as well as your name
and telephone number. Familiarize your dog with its surroundings.
Allow the dog to walk around the yard and develop that as
his or her own territory. Cats on the other hand should be
kept indoors at all times.
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3.
Consider having your pets microchipped. This is a procedure that
can be done by your veterinarian. A small microchip, about the
size of a grain of rice, is injected under the skin between the
shoulder blades on your pet's back. If the collar and tag is lost,
the microchip can be detected at an animal shelter or veterinary
clinic. The information from the microchip can be used to identify
who owns the pet.
4. If your pet is lost, contact the local Humane Society and animal
shelter to see if they have found it. Also place flyers with a
description and a photograph of the pet around your neighborhood.
Start your search by heading north; some experts think 75 percent
of all lost dogs will travel north.
5. Contact the veterinary hospitals in the area. If your pet was
injured a Good Samaritan may have taken it to their veterinarian.
6. Prevention is always the best course of action. Keep your dog
in a well-fenced area. Never allow animals to roam. Instruct children
on how to be responsible for their pets. Keep the doors and gates
latched. When leaving home with your pet always have dogs on a
leash and cats in a carrier. |
