Loss Prevention For Pets

Owning a pet can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but if your pet becomes lost you will be left wondering how you could have prevented the separation. Below are some helpful hints on enhancing your pet's safety.

The Collar
It is essential that your pet's collar fit properly. Use a piece of string to measure the animal's neck, adding two inches for comfort- this is the collar size that you need. In short, if you can fit two fingers comfortably under the collar, it is the right size. Which material is best for a collar? It is basically a matter of personal preference. Leather is strong, but it tends to weaken with repeated moisture; nylon is durable and clean. When purchasing a leash, give some thought to how and where it will be used. Nylon, rope, leather, Flexi, and metal all have different purposes.

The Pet I.D. Tag
The American Veterinary Medical Association reported that in 1995, 64% of all animals entering their surveyed shelters were euthanized, most because their owners could not be located in a timely manner.

Even if your pet has a tattoo or microchip, an I.D. tag is still essential. It is a quick visual method of supplementing the latest high-tech devices. It is the most convenient, because it is the method that the public is most familiar with.

If your pet has an I.D. tag, be sure to attach it with a slip ring (like the ones used on key chains), instead of an "S" hook which can come off easily. Tag durability is essential. Nothing is better than stainless steel for weathering the tests your pet may put it through.

Property Inspection
Inspect your property for any possible escape methods. Make sure gates are latched, fencing is without holes or gaps, and any object that could be used as a springboard is removed from the fence area. Also, make sure that there are no objects that your pet could get his collar or leash caught on.

Documentation
Make sure that your pet's papers are in order. You can never tell when a disaster might strike or when your pet might wander off. Have all of your health certificates in proper order, and have an up-to-date photo of your pet- preferably one that includes a piece of property uniquely identifiable to you.

Spaying and Neutering
Though not a solution for behavioral problems, it will reduce the numbers of unwanted animals, thus reducing the frequency of euthanasia at shelters. It can also improve the health of your pet by reducing the incidence of aging diseases such as cancer.

Cats and dogs are able to multiply very quickly. They go into heat at approximately 5 months of age and are able to have litters twice a year. An unsprayed female dog, her mate, and their puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, can multiply to 67,000 dogs in just 6 years.

Pet Training
Training your pet can make your life with him much more enjoyable. It can include behavior training, such as walking easily with a leash; obedience training, such as teaching your dog to sit, stay, or fetch; and activity training, used for search and rescue type operations.