In addition to being known as the time for barbecues and beach days, July is nationally acknowledged as Lost Pet Prevention Month. Veterinarian Shelby Neely offers practical tips to keep your pets safe and spread awareness about how to recover lost pets.
Why is Lost Pet Prevention Month Important? Why July?
The uptick in travel and loud outdoor festivities in July correlates with increased runaways, heat-related issues, and losing your pet while in transition. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that fireworks or other loud noises cause one out of every five missing pet cases. With the national recognition of July as Lost Pet Prevention Month, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with safety tips and spread awareness in your community.
Critical Strategies for Preventing Lost Pets
- ID, Microchipping, and GPS: We’re all familiar with the dog-bone-shaped collars and the tinkle of a cat’s collar. More than symbolic, these are often the first line of defense against losing your pet. Ensure your collars have updated contact information, the pet’s name, and medical information. Many owners prefer to use a GPS tag on their pet’s collar that pairs easily with their phone and will display the pet’s location at all times. Microchipping is the global standard for pet identification and can allow for expedited reunions should your pet become lost, even internationally.
- Home Protection: Many pet parents prefer to keep smaller pets indoors rather than risking escape. A fenced backyard is one line of defense, but be sure to check regularly for any gaps or holes in the fencing. Many cats and dogs can easily push through windows or screens. Consider adding pet barriers to prevent this.
- Proper Leash and Harness: It is crucial to properly train your pets to behave properly when walking on leash or in a harness. When the two of you are in sync and communicating, the risk of escape is much lower. Ensure all leashes and harnesses are comfortable but fit properly and are snug enough to prevent your pet from slipping out.
- Special Circumstances Like Travel or Holiday/Fireworks: As mentioned above, July is loud, hot, and bustling. Make plans for your pets during parties, especially if he or she is anxious during gatherings. If your pet is panicked by fireworks, consult with a veterinarian or work to find ways of soothing them before, during, and after exposure. Some things you may want to try including calming supplements, such as those offered by VetriScience, or VetCrafted. For cats, consider Feliway spray or diffusers. For extreme cases, talk to your vet about anxiety medications.
July is for Awareness
The above tips are focused on ensuring personal safety in July and in general. However, this month is also for recognizing community efforts towards pet safety and lost pet prevention, as well as raising awareness of the benefits of pet safety. This month, many shelters and clinics will offer microchipping workshops and leash training sessions and organize events to spread awareness. Check out organizations near you to learn more and join local efforts to reunite lost pets with their owners.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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