July Is Lost Pet Prevention Month
JULY IS LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH… DID YOU KNOW…
1 IN 3 PETS ARE LOST OR STOLEN IN THEIR LIFETIME!
80% OF PETS ARE NEVER RECOVERED!
A FAMILY PET IS LOST EVERY 2 SECONDS IN NORTH AMERICA!
Some 80 million American households have a pet. We already know that more pets get lost during the July 4th holiday than any other day of the year. But did you know that almost 10 MILLION dogs and cats are lost or stolen each year? That’s 14% of dogs and 15% of cats. Cat owners are less likely to find their cat. Just 53% of lost cats are recovered, while 71% of lost dogs are recovered. Some one million pets are euthanized at shelters each year. For more statistics about this epidemic of lost pets in the USA click here.
10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS FROM GETTING LOST
- MICROCHIP your pet. It’s a painless process and will be “good” for your pet’s lifetime. Don’t forget to properly license your pet. Microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their families.
- PUT ID TAGS on your pet’s collar. Make sure the collar is secure. Tags should include your name and phone number. (My dog’s collar tag has his name, my name, my phone number and my address.)
- KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH when outside your property. Although leashing a dog is the law in many towns and cities, it’s also a law that seems to be ignored too frequently.
- TEACH YOUR DOG STAY & COME COMMANDS. That way, when you are outside on a street, in a park, a parking lot, if for some reason your dog gets out of your grasp and runs, they are likely to listen to your command and come back.
- DON’T LEAVE YOUR PETS ALONE OUTSIDE for any length of time, especially at night, if you’re in an area prone to coyotes, mountain lions, hawks, other predators.
- FENCE YOUR YARD and make sure the gates are secure and always closed. And make certain the fencing you use doesn’t allow your dog to push through the fence slats.
- KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS but if you do let them outdoors, make sure they are on a leash or a harness or in a fenced-in catio.
- KEEP CURRENT PHOTOS OF YOUR PETS on-hand at all times. These will come in handy if one of your pets ever gets lost.
- WHEN TRAVELLING ALWAY SECURE YOUR PET(S) IN A QUALITY CARRIER made for travel. Be sure to properly label the carrier. In your car, be sure to harness your dog to a seat belt.
- SECURE YOUR HOME. Make certain your dogs and cats can’t escape out the windows or doors. All doors (including screen and storm doors) should be securely latched. Windows at ground level should remain closed.
RESOURCES FOR PET PARENTS FROM PETHUB DURING NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE A PET
If your dog or cat does get lost, use your social media to post photos and ask everyone to share. Visit your local shelter(s) the first day if possible, and at least every other day to look for your pet in person. The Charlotte Humane Society provides excellent tips on how to go about finding your pet.
HOW TO MAKET A LOST PET POSTER/FLYER: INFOGRAPHIC
These pet safety tips for National Lost Pet Prevention Month are provided by Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty Greater Charlotte’s pet-friendly residential real estate expert and pet parent and lover.
If you’re considering selling or purchasing a home in the Charlotte metro area, I’d love an opportunity to earn your business, to exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:
“The Right Broker Makes All The Difference”
P.S. If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your household, please:
ADOPT, DON’T SHOP!
