July is Lost Pet Prevention Month

In the States, July 5th is typically the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. The busyness and deafening booms of fireworks from the Fourth of July can frighten pets to a point where they run away. These pets often end up in shelters, or worse.

Though we don’t have this Fourth of July explosion here in Canada, July is a busy month for almost everyone. As the weather warms up and summer outings are frequent, it’s important to make sure we don’t end up forgetting our pets and their safety. We’ve put together some key advice for ensuring your pet stays safe at home… and what to do should they go missing.

Microchip

Microchips store unique ID codes that can be used to retrieve a pet’s contact information, should they go missing. These chips can also store health and medical information that can be quickly accessed in the case of an emergency.  They’re incredibly useful in case your pet does go missing, and will get them safely home as quickly as possible.

ID Tags

It’s always a good idea to make sure your pet has updated ID tags that show their name as well as your phone number and address. If your pet is lost, the person who finds them can check their tag and know how to contact you.

GPS

There are some companies today that sell small GPS devices that clip onto your pet’s collar. You can track your pet’s whereabouts at all times on your phone! Check out these businesses offering pet GPS devices below:

What to Do if Your Pet Goes Missing

Report Your Missing Pet

Often, when someone finds a lost animal, they report it to the police. If you’ve reported your lost pet to the police, they’ll  have your contact information they can help return them to you.

Contact local animal shelters

Reach out to animal shelters in your area and notify them of your lost pet. Provide your contact information and ask them to let you know if any pet comes in that matches your pet’s description.

Drive around looking for them

A scared pet just might be listening for your voice. Drive around areas your pet may be familiar with, or where you think they may be more comfortable. You can ask your friends and neighbours to help you search the neighborhood.

Put up flyers

Put up flyers around your neighborhood with your pet’s name, photo, and any important information about them, like any medical conditions they may have.

Make a lost pet post on social media

Utilize social media and post about your missing pet! Encourage people you know to share the post and spread the word. You can also find an online lost pet group or other group and post information about your pet on social media. The more people who know that your pet’s missing, the more people that can help you find them.

There you have it! Of course, the final step to keeping your pet protected should anything harm them is… pet insurance! Get a free online quote today or call us at 1-844-421-2121 to see just how easy it is to ensure your pet is covered no matter what.