07/05/2025
JULY IS NATIONAL LOST PET PREVENTION MONTH
Did you know that July is the busiest days of the year for animal shelters accepting lost pets? Why is this the case?
Fireworks during celebrations can be a little upsetting for the four-legged members of the family. Many dogs, cats (other) get startled and frightened by the sounds of fireworks or the activity of backyard parties, flee and get lost.
Aside from the events, many families enjoy vacations over the summer. Pets who join their owners on vacation are in danger of being disoriented in a new environment. Those that are left behind may flee due to loneliness or distress.
When moving, keep your pet's routine as regular as possible during the pre-moving stages and the move itself. If you normally feed, exercise, or play with your pet at certain times, continue to do so. During the final crunch of moving, you may find it is better if your pet stays at a friend's home or kennel. This may help reduce the chances of it getting upset and running away, or hiding in one of the moving boxes, as cats are prone to do.
Tips for Prevention:
Collar and ID tags - It may seem simple, but a collar is essential to keeping your pet safe! Collars and ID tags are an affordable, easy way for someone to identify a pet and contact their owner. A collar is on properly if you can easily slide two or three fingers underneath. Remember to replace worn or torn collars.
Use a Leash or Catio When Outside - If you do let your pets out, make sure they are in a securely fenced-in yard/ catio or on a leash. When taking your pet for a walk, keep it leashed at all times, even if it’s good at listening to voice commands. Even well-trained animals may forget their training and bolt if they hear loud, unexpected noises.
Microchip Your Pet - A microchip is a small chip implanted in a pet that contains their owner’s basic contact information – think of it like a permanent ID tag! When a lost animal is taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, staff will scan for a microchip and contact the person whose information is listed. It’s important to keep your pet’s microchip information up-to-date.
Secure Your Yard: Regularly check fences and gates for any gaps or weaknesses that could allow your pet to escape.
Summer Storm Season: Create a safe space for your pet to go – whether it’s a crate, under the bed, the basement or a favourite hiding spot. If your pet has extreme anxiety during storms, talk to your vet and/or a certified trainer. They can help you with your pet if they have high anxiety and other problems related to storms.
Check Local Shelters - Always check with local shelters, online and in-person, when your pet goes missing. All lost pets brought into local shelters have a profile and photo uploaded on their website or local FB Page or Group.
Help Others! - If you find a lost pet, you can help reunite them with their people by contacting and filing a Found Animal Report with your local shelter or by hanging flyers in the area they were found, and/or posting on social media.
Join our Lost & Found Pets Of Ottawa And Surrounding Areas Facebook group to stay connected to pet owners in your community and help reunite families together.
Lost & Found Pets Of Ottawa And Surrounding Areas
