People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) are sharing top tips for keeping pets safe, and what to do should the worst happen, and your pet becomes lost or is stolen.
PDSA vet nurse, Nina Downing says, ‘Pets are a huge part of our lives and knowing what to do should you lose your pet, and the best steps to take to reunite your family, is really important.’
What to do if you’ve lost a pet
If your pet is missing, here are some key steps to follow:
– Check potential hiding places around your house. If your pet seems to have gone missing from your home, be sure to check they aren’t hidden or stuck somewhere indoors.
– Check the local area and ask passers-by. Take treats with you and show images of your pet to anyone who passes in case they have seen them.
– Ask your neighbours if they have seen your pet, and to also check their garden, garage, shed and any outbuildings.
– Call your pet’s microchip database. If your pet has a microchip, report them missing to your microchip company and make sure your details, such as your phone number, home address and email address, are up to date. This will be vital in reuniting you quickly if your pet is found.
– Notify your local dog warden if you’ve lost your dog.
– Call local vets and rescue centres, and share your contact details so they can get in touch should your pet be brought into their care.
– Use pet websites and social media. Lots of sites and groups online are dedicated to posting missing pet details, and this can be handy for widespread sharing. Many online groups will also help to create printable posters you can share online and put up in your local area.
What to do if your pet is stolen
Nina advises, ‘If you think your pet may have been stolen, we’d always recommend following the same steps as if your pet was lost, but it’s important to also notify the police. In August 2024 the “Abduction Bill” came into force in England and Northern Ireland; this is new legislation making cat and dog theft a criminal offence.’
Preventing pet loss and theft
– Ensure that your dog has a pet tag on their collar with your name, contact details and home address. Not only does this make your pet easy to identify and increase the chances of reuniting with you, but it is also a legal requirement in the UK.
– Microchip your pet. As of June 2024, it became law in England for all pet cats to be microchipped. Since 2016, all dogs in the UK must have a microchip. Once microchipped, your details will need to be registered with the microchip database company and you will need to keep your contact details up to date.
– Consider neutering your pet. Alongside all the other health benefits of neutering, it also reduces the risk that your pet will wander off, away from familiar territory, in search of a mate.
– When out and about with your dog, ensure they are visible at all times. It’s sensible to keep your dog on a lead when walking them in unfamiliar areas. Plus, it’s important to make sure your dog will reliably come back to you before letting them off the lead, so practice recall training using reward-based positive reinforcement.
– Secure your home and your garden. Make sure both your home and garden are secure and pet-proof; some pets are avid escape artists and can fit through even the smallest of gaps and holes, so make sure there’s no potential escape routes.
– Beware of bad weather and fireworks. It’s sensible to keep your pets indoors during really bad weather and on nights when fireworks are likely, as loud noises might cause them to become frightened and run away.
More information about what to do should the worst happen can be found on PDSA’s website: www.pdsa.org.uk/missing-pets
PDSA is the vet charity for pets in need, providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps them reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.