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 Steps
to Prevent the Loss of Your Four Legged Friend
- Always have an
identification tag on your animal, including a
current license. Also, be sure that you are able
to identify his/her collar.
- Get your animal
microchipped. Cats, dogs and rabbits can be microchipped.
It is a painless process where a chip the size
of a grain of rice is inserted between the shoulders
just under the skin. When your animal is found,
this may be used to quickly identify and contact
you if the animal has been taken to a place with
a microchip scanner.
- Always keep your
animal indoors unless on a leash or harness.
- Transport your cat
in a carrier and your dog only when leashed.
 Always
have updated photos of your animal. Be sure that
you note unique markings or characteristics, such
as scars. Click here
for a printable pdf form to complete so you have
all the information you need in the event your
companion is lost.
- Never allow your
animal to be unattended while on a leash outdoors.
- If you have a fenced
in yard and your animal is outside unsupervised,
ensure that it is animal proofed. Check the fence
for any gaps, holes or openings. Even if it seems
small, he can wriggle through tiny places! Also
make sure there are no objects to climb on to
jump over the fence.
 Teach
your dog to come
when called.
- Sign up for a Manner's
class to bond with your dog in a positive
way. A strong bond and good training will help
to keep your dog with you in a potentially dangerous
situation.
- Make sure that your
companion is up to date on his/her vaccinations.
Animals running at large or staying at the shelter
are at higher risks of being exposed to diseases.
See your veterinarian about recommended vaccines.
- Create a L.O.S.T.
kit in case your animal should ever get away from
you. This kit should include items like an animal
photo and description, flashlight, pre-made flyers,
phone numbers of animal control, police, the vet,
favorite items to place outside and delicious
canned food.
 Keep
a duplicate of the L.O.S.T. kit in an easy to
find spot or give it to whomever is caring for
your animal in their home or kennel. When you
are on vacation or hire an animal sitter, they
will have all of this information ready if your
animal is lost while in their care. Click
here to download a pdf form that you can fill
out for these situations.
Remember, if you have
lost your animal, contact your local animal control
agency (see above information) immediately. You
can also fill out our L.O.S.T. (Locate Our Stray
Today) informational profile that will be sent to
neighbors who have signed up for the L.O.S.T. program
who will watch. Click
here to use this service now.
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