The nightmare of pet parents andpet care professionals came true recently for one of our Fetch! Pet Carelocations: Harper the Beagle got lost while in the care of a Fetch! Pet Caresitter. While the local Fetch! franchise owner was able to safely recoverHarper, this served as a reminder to us that a dog and can get loose at anymoment, whether you have professional training or not.
The approach of summer, warm weather and outdoor activitiesleads to more lost pets. As such, we felt this was not only the perfectopportunity to share Harper’s story, but also tips to help keep your dog safeand what to do if your pet does get lost.
The most common reason pets run away is due to nervousness frombeing in an unfamiliar surrounding, an unexpected surprise, or havingunfamiliar people in their surroundings. Pets are very sensitive, so anychanges to their environment can evoke their fight or flight response.
Having the proper equipment is essential to making sure your petdoes not get away while outdoors with them. Investing in a quality leash andcollar can not only help to restrain your pet while out on walks but will alsoensure that their identification is with them at all times. “One of the worstscenarios when a pet gets lost is when their collar breaks or slips off. Inthis situation, the pet is not only missing but lacking identification”, saysPaul Mann, founder of Fetch! Pet Care. A good collar should fit snuggly, notslip over your pet’s head, and be sturdy so it does not break under stress.
Having proper identification on your pet at all times is thebest way to ensure that they will make their way back to you. Last year, about649,000 pets were returned to owners by shelters because the animal either hadan ID tag or a microchip that allowed the shelter to get in contact with theowner.
Check to make sure that your dog has no escape exits from yourhouse or yard area. Just a little opening can give your dog the determinationit needs to work its way to freedom. When you have people entering or leavingyour home, have them be conscious about where your dog is so they don’t slipout unexpectedly.
You also want to be mindful about who is walking your dog. Somedogs become very excitable when out and about and may easily overpower a childor small adult, so be certain that your walker is experienced and able tocontrol your dog at all times.
We recommend taking your dog out for regular walks in yourneighborhood so they are familiar with how to get home and so your neighborscan identify your dog if they are ever to escape. When Harper the Beagle gotfree from his dog walker, our local franchise owner gathered their resourcesincluding a local search party, flyers, contacted local shelters, and also usedsocial media to get the word out. It was helpful that the people in the area werefamiliar with Harper and could identify him easily and report back to theowners that there had been a “Harper sighting”.
Often times when a dog does escape they will stay nearby but aretoo nervous or scared to let anyone approach them. Bringing a comfortingreminder, such as a toy or their pet sibling, can often times lure the pet backto the owner. With Harper’s return, it was his sister Sadie who coaxed him backto their owners, by helping remind Harper that he would be safe with them.
Do everything in your power to make sure your dog is not able torun away, but always be prepared for the unexpected and have an action plan forhow you bring your pet home. If your pet does get out, don’t be afraid to askfor help from your neighbors, social media and local pet organizations – themore help the better! To that point, professional pet trackers exist in manyareas of the country to help you if all other options fail.
We are happy and relieved that Harper is back safe at home andwish you a safe and fun summer season out there with your pets!
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