Keep Your Pet Safe: Tips to Prevent Lost Pets

Losing a pet is every owner’s worst nightmare. With thousands of pets going missing in Australia each year, it’s essential to be proactive in preventing these situations. July’s National Lost Pet Prevention Month highlights the importance of taking steps to keep our pets safe.

we understand the stress and worry that comes with a missing pet. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you minimise the chances of losing your furry friend.

There are many reasons pets may try to escape:

• Unfamiliar Surroundings: New sounds, scents, or pets can cause anxiety, making pets bolt.
• Escape Routes: Open gates, broken windows, or faulty fences can provide easy ways out.
• Fear or Panic: Loud noises or anxiety-inducing events like fireworks can drive pets to flee.
• Natural Instincts: Unspayed or unneutered pets are more likely to roam in search of a mate.

Proper identification is crucial for lost pets:

• Collars and Tags: Ensure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag that includes your current contact information. This is the quickest way for someone to return a found pet.
• Microchipping: Microchipping offers a reliable, permanent method of identification. In case your pet loses its collar, a microchip ensures shelters and vets can scan and access your contact details. Always keep the microchip registry updated with your latest information.

Securing your home is essential in preventing pets from wandering:

• Fencing and Gates: Check your fences regularly for holes, loose boards, or gaps. If your pet is prone to digging, consider reinforcing the ground along the fence line with buried wire or concrete.
• Windows and Doors: Make sure all windows are properly screened and doors and gates latch securely to prevent accidental escapes.
• Supervision for Escape Artists: If your pet has a history of escaping, tethering them on a leash while they are outdoors can help, but ensure they’re always supervised to avoid injury.

Some pets may try to run when faced with anxiety:

• Designate a Safe Space: Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat during stressful situations like thunderstorms, construction, or fireworks. Equip this space with their favourite toys and bedding for comfort.
• Desensitisation Training: If your pet is particularly anxious, especially around loud noises, consider seeking professional help for desensitisation training. This method gradually exposes your pet to stress-inducing sounds in a controlled environment, helping them cope better.

Desexing your pet is not only beneficial for their health but also reduces their urge to roam. Spaying or neutering prevents hormonal-driven wandering, especially when animals search for mates, which decreases the likelihood of them getting lost.

Basic obedience training can significantly reduce the risk of losing your pet. Commands like “stay,” “come,” and “heel” provide control in outdoor settings, helping you prevent your pet from running off during walks or when they encounter unfamiliar stimuli.

Even with the best prevention efforts, accidents can happen. Here’s how to respond if your pet goes missing:

• Start Searching Immediately: Walk or drive around your neighbourhood and call your pet’s name. Inform neighbours and keep an eye out for any sightings.
• Contact Local Shelters and Clinics: Notify animal shelters, local veterinary clinics, and use social media platforms to share your pet’s description and any distinguishing features.

At AllPets, we’re committed to helping you keep your pet safe. We offer microchipping services, advice on obedience training, and a range of preventative measures to protect your furry family member.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help ensure your pet never gets lost.