Missing Pups Part 1: Prevention

Your dog  is part of the family, a beloved friend and companion.  It would be terrible for your pup to be all alone, lost out on the streets far from home. But if that were to happen would you know how to find them again?  Here are some tips to do BEFORE your dog goes missing. Follow these tips and you will be prepared in case the situation should ever occur.

• First off, don’t leave pets alone for too long. Pets that are alone are more likely to escape. Never leave a pet alone in the car especially in the hot Aussie summers, but animals have a way of escaping only known to them. Always find a trusted friend or animal boarder to watch your pet while you go on holiday. Make sure your pet’s care taker has the following information and take the following precautions as well.

• Make sure the fences around your home are reinforced. Check to make sure that your dog cannot get out of the yard (if you plan to leave them outside unattended when you are out and about). Fence posts should be secure and without gaps. Dogs are excellent at digging – ensure your pet cannot dig its way out either.  If you are worried your dog could get loose comfortable pet pens can be purchased to ensure pets cannot escape in your absence.

• Train your pup. A little training goes a long way. Take your dog to puppy pre-school and they will teach your dog socialisation with other pets and obedience. They will provide you with tips to keep your dog obedient (and by your side).

• Make sure your pet always has on its collar and identification. Identification tags are the number one step in pets being returned to their owners.  Be sure to update the tags if you move house or change your telephone numbers. The collar should be worn all times by your pet; even if they are an indoor animal they have a way of getting out.

• Take a yearly photo of your pet. Have this photo stored someplace that you can easily access it. The ideal place to store it would be an online site such as flickr, your computer hard drive, or a photo album easily accessible or all three places.  This photo will be necessary to put up posters, send emails and show to the shelter when looking for your pet.

• Can you describe your pet ? Being able to accurately describe your pet’s qualities and traits will help you in the long run.  Breeds of dogs can look strikingly similar especially in photographs but if your dog has a spot, trait, or characteristic that is unique be sure to have this information.

• The best option is to register your dog with dog-e-data and use their identification tag. The dog-e-data tag is a bright yellow circle shaped tag which fits easily onto your dog collar. If your pet goes missing whoever finds your pet can ring the 24 hr a day phone number on the dog-e-data tag, quote your pet’s individual number which is also on the tag, and dog-e-data will contact you.

Take the time to ensure you have all of the information you will need in case your pet goes missing. This information will become invaluable in the search and reunion of you and your pup. If you know of any other tips to prevent wandering pups post them below.