1. Microchip Your Pet.  And every year, make sure your contact information is correct and update as necessary!
2. Keep Collars On!  We all love a “nakey” pet but truth is, visible identification is the fastest way to ensure pets are returned.
3. Teach “Come” & “Stay”.  Pet recall, even in cats, can be a lifesaving measure that prevents pets from getting lost or seriously hurt in social settings.
4. Use a “Let’s Go Outside” Trigger.  We’re not talking about jingle bells.  Using a controllable noise (like a clicker or tap button) ONLY when you want your pet to go outside can prevent rushing the doors or leaving unintentionally.  Your pets should be listening for the noise trigger as an indication it’s time to walk through the door.
5. Keep Leashes On!  Even in secure spaces, having your pet on a leash during an unexpected situation gives you much more control to manage it.
6. Secure Your Home/Yard.  For good measure, you should do a quick check of spaces pets can potentially access outside from inside (doors, windows, etc).  All the same, checking exterior fencing that prevents pets from accessing the world beyond your yard (and keeps other pets from entering!)
7. Spay & Neuter Pets.  Altering pets removes the drive to wander off to find a baby-making buddy.  Even if your pets are kept secure, aggressive males might cause an unspayed female to bolt if she is giving off the “yes” scents males are drawn to.
8. Know Your Scenery.  Make sure the environment you have your pet in is safe and keep a calm, but cautious eye out for potential concerning situations.  In addition, never leave pets unsupervised if you can’t keep a cautious eye out for them.
9. Use Travel Safety Practices.  Keep collars on during travel and secure pets using tethering, seatbelts or crates.  If you are concerned pets might bolt when you open the door, make sure you keep a leash on them and have it secure before opening the door.
10. Keep Updated Photos.  If your pet does get lost, being able to quickly access photos to post on social media and distribute on flyers is extremely useful.

1. Post on Your Social Media.  Make a post on your own social media and make sure to notate the last time you saw your pet and where.
2. Do a Search on Facebook for “Lost Pet” groups in your local area (think state, town, county).  Share your social media post in these groups.
3. Post on Petco LoveLost.  This is national listing free to use.
4. File a Missing Pet Report with your Local Animal Control.
5. Check Found Reports on local shelter websites.

*Do NOT wait to take action if you believe your pets is missing!  In most states, found pets picked up by animal control are only subject to a 3-14 day “stray hold” before they are eligible for adoption by the shelters, so make sure to check the FOUND REPORT listings daily.