One of a dog parent’s biggest fears will always be losing their pet. I read about it on Facebook every day. Losing a pet is like losing a loved one, and it’s an experience no one should ever have to go through. Even if you believe you’re the safest pet parent in the world, it’s always smart to make sure you have a checklist to prevent your pet from getting lost. We researched different websites to find ways to prevent canine escapes. Here are ten vital tips to help ensure you won’t lose your furry family member.

1. Microchip Your Dog

Thanks to the technology of microchips, many people have been reunited with their lost dogs.

If your dog loses their collar and ends up lost, a vet or shelter can scan for the microchip, which will have the pet’s name, your contact information, and your primary vet or shelter information. A vet will inject the microchip under your dog’s skin and it will stay there for their entire life. Also, If someone else claims your dog, you can legally prove the dog is yours by looking at the microchip.

2. Get A Collar With Dog ID Tags

It is extremely important that your dog not only have a secure collar, but also have an ID tag.

Loose collars can fall off and become torn and wear down. It’s important to check your dog’s collar to make sure it’s still in good shape. You don’t want to choke your dog, so be sure to find an even balance between secure and comfortable. You can also write your phone number on the collar, itself.

3. Teach ‘Come’ And ‘Stay’

Your dog should know “come” and “stay.” With these two commands, the probability of your dog getting lost is less likely. Whether you’re taking your dog for a walk, spending time at the park, or going for a drive, there is a chance your dog could see something and take off.

If your dog knows these commands and recognizes you as their leader, they’ll be more likely to stop. Knowing these commands will not only keep your dog from getting lost, but could save your dog’s life by stopping them from running into a street. Start teaching them as puppies.

4. Keep Your Dog On A Leash

If you have a dog, that means you need to own a dog leash. Having a leash is a fundamental part of having a dog and is the law in some counties. Make sure the leash you buy is recommended for your dog’s weight. If you’re going for a walk in the park where other dogs might be present, you should have a shorter leash with more control so you can have more control of your dog.

5. Secure Your Yard & Home

One of the most common ways a dog gets lost is when they escape their yard. There have been plenty of times when people found dogs wandering their neighborhood and mistaken them for strays, when really they accidentally just got out of their own property.

If you let your dog in the yard, make sure you’ve double checked the fencing around your property. You want the right height fence depending on the size of your dog so they can’t jump over it. Even if they can’t jump the fence, your dog still might be able to dig their way out. A good way to prevent this is with rocks or chicken wire lining the bottom of the fence.

Also, to prevent your dog from squeezing through the fence, check for any loose panels that your dog can fit through.

6. Make Sure To Spay Or Neuter

Not only is spaying and neutering important to prevent overpopulation and keep more dogs from ending up in shelters, but it’s also key to keeping your pets from wandering off and getting lost. When male dogs aren’t neutered, they have a higher tendency to seek out females. This means that an un-neutered dog is more likely to wander off from your home and get lost leading to more risk of getting hit by cars. Neutering your dog takes away this instinct, making your dog calmer and more reliable, preventing further behavioral problems.

7. Pay Attention

Paying attention to your dog is the easiest way to prevent your dog from getting lost.

Pay attention to them and their surroundings, especially in unfamiliar locations. Dangers and distractions can lead to accidents, dropped leashes, and dogs running off. Also, make sure you never leave your dogs tied to bike racks, parking meters, or fences while you go into a store. Your dog could easily slip out of their collar and get lost or stolen. Your dogs should always be in eyesight of you. Even when your dog goes in your own backyard, you should know exactly where they are.

8. Be Safe In The Car

An easy time for dogs to escape is when they’re i n the car. Your dog could easily run off when you open the car door. Some dogs could even escape if you open the window too far. Be aware of your dog’s typical behavior and figure out what works best. If your dog has a tendency to stick their whole body out the window, be sure to keep the window closed far enough so their body can’t fit through. If your dog gets easily excited when you open the door, make sure you leave their leash on. That way you can prevent the problem before it even happens. Seat belts are also helpful in making sure your dog is safe and secure. Finally, do not leave your dog alone in the car under any circumstance. Not only could your dog could die from heat stroke on a hot day, but someone could actually break into your car to steal your dog.

9. Keep Their Documentation Easily Available.

You should have all of your dog’s documents and papers organized in one area with easy access. If your dog were to get lost, you’d quicken the process of finding them by having all your information together. Proof of ownership such as vet documents, shelter information, photos, vaccination records, and more can make it easier to not only prove your dog is yours, but also make it easier for those who might have found your dog, such as shelters or rescue groups. You should keep your local shelter’s address and phone number along with a recent photo handy so you can put up flyers with what your dog looks like as soon as possible.

10. Practice Inside Safety

When you’re not home, your dog should be indoors.

It’s important to make sure you keep your dog inside when you’re not home so your dog doesn’t get loose. A common problem is when dogs escape from their house, they can’t get back inside because no one is home. Also, if you have small dogs, be extra aware, especially at night, because of predators like coyotes, hawks, and mountain lions. Lastly, and definitely not least, don’t leave dogs outside alone while you’re sleeping. When it’s time for bed, everyone should come inside. Never keep your dog outside in freezing weather conditions!

These tips should help but we all know that stuff happens and dogs are quick and always looking for that inattentive squirrel or a dog in their territory and we can’t always catch them in time. But, it is worth putting a little more effort in keeping them from escaping. I would hate for my dogs to spend even one night alone in the freezing cold temperatures or cross a busy street by themselves. Small pets would make some wild animal a tasty treat. Lost Dog prevent month is July. Practice these tips every month and keep your dogs safe. For a ton of more information, go to https://petalliesaz.org/what-we-do/programs-services/lost-found.html