Prevention Tips for Dogs

Bringing home a new pet, moving or vacationing can be great opportunities to learn more about preventing your pet from getting lost!

Be Prepared:

Take photos of your cat at different life stages. These should be a body shot while standing and of their face, making sure to capture any distinguishing marks. If your cat requires a "lion-cut" or grooming, take photos before and after they're groomed.
Have your cat microchipped and remember to register and update your information with the microchip company

Sitters/Guests:

For outdoor access cats: Have the cats stay just indoors if you are away and having a sitter watch them. They may not be as happy, but they will be safer
For indoor only cats that tend to hide, close off any areas they may disappear into and become hard to find
Make sure your guests keep windows and doors closed as to prevent your cat from slipping outside

Around the House:

When moving into a new home, have the cat stay in one room for the first few days. Cats that are easily frightened will want to hide, and giving them a safe room will help them adjust and limit the spots they can hide and escape the new house
Repair any broken screens and always keep screens on windows, even if you think your cat won't jump out of an upper floor window or balcony
If doing any construction or landscaping, keep outdoor cats inside. For the indoor kitties, keep them confined to a room that contractors will not have to access

Traveling:

Always use a carrier for your cat. Before taking it outside, make sure the top, bottom and door are secure. Tie a rope around the carrier to prevent the door from opening accidentally if bumped or dropped
Resist the urge to let your cat out of the carrier on long trips in the car or if they don't feel well. They can easily be startled and bolt from the car

Be Prepared:

Take photos of your dog every so often. These should be a body shot while standing and of their face. If your dog requires frequent grooming, take photos before and after they're groomed
Have your dog microchipped and remember to register and update your information with the microchip company
Keep a collar with identifying information on at all times

Newly adopted/fosters:

Outside:

Check along your fence for any holes your dog may have started digging or spots that need repair

Guests/Fireworks:

To keep your dog safe from bolting out an open door, have them stay in a room with the door closed. Ask guests to stay out

Sitters:

If you have a dog walker, require that they use a harness and a martingale collar for new and easily frightened dogs
If leaving your dog at a sitter's house, check their yard for any possible escape points. Require them to leash your dog if outside
Don't allow your dog walker or pet sitter to take your dog off leash while on a walk
If you are using an online service, meet the person that will be caring for your pet . You should make sure your dog's safety is important to them and they will adhere to any instructions you give