Lost Pets

LOST PETS 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. 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 your pets 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've 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.