My bigest nightmare is that one of my pets will be lost. I can't imagine how I would feel to have a pet get lost and not know what happened to it. What do you need to know about how pets become lost.
- The gardner or a workman leaves a gate open.
- An unattended pet can be stolen. Never leave your pet in the car while you go shopping.
- Dog is let out by the owner without a leash for a quick run that turns into a very long run.
- Thunderstorms or fireworks can cause pets to panic and flee. If your pet is a nervous thing, place him in a crate or small room during a storm or noisy celebrations.
- Under, over or through the fence. Check your fence several times a year for areas that your pet could escape through. Small areas under the fence, a chair that will allow pet to jump over fence or a loose panel are easy targets for a pet to find a way out.
- An electric gate stops working or the pet does a quick dash through it before it is closed. Always wait at the driveway until the gate is fully closed.
- A pet can get confused or panic if let out in an unfamiliar area. Never give your pet the opportunity to get out of the car or a hotel room without being leashed first.
- If there is an emergency in your area, plan ahead. If you can crate your pet do so as soon as you hear of the emergency. Pets and owners can both panic at the last minute. If left unattended the pet may feel the danger and go into hiding.
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Lately it seems we are seeing more disasters that require families to evacuate. When you are told to evacuate it is a little late to start thinking about what you need so we suggest you prepare ahead of time.
Some Tips From Houston SPCA's Website:
Important information to always keep handy:
Plan ahead and include your pet in your family's preparations. If you are going to evacuate, take your pet(s) with you.
Some important steps to ensure your pets safety.
• Identification
• Make sure your pet wears a collar and I.D. tag with up-to-date information. You may also want to consider microchipping your pet for permanent identification, but if you microchip don’t forget to check the company website and/or update the information when necessary.
• Vaccinations
• All pets should be current on their shots. Keep a copy of the vaccination records sealed in a plastic bag that you woud take with you should you evacuate.
• Sleeping Quarters
• Help your animals avoid shattering glass and falling objects. Don't place your pet's bed below windows or shelving.
• A home away from home. Every animal in your house should have a crate - a molded plastic carrying case. Familiarize your pet with the crate before the disaster strikes so that they will be comfortable when it is necessary.
• Check your yard. Make sure all fencing is secure and all holes and potential escape routes are blocked.
• Plan ahead. Identify animal shelters, local boarding facilities, veterinarians, motels and friends or relatives that may temporarily house your pet after a disaster.
• Talk to your neighbors and discuss what would happen if you were not at home when it is necessary to evacuate. In the case of a fire you usually don’t have much time to prepare. Write up a list for your neighbor as to where your preparedness kit is (this would include the kennel), and your can be reached numbers.
If you evacuate, take your pet!
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