National Lost Pet Prevention Month – 1st July 2023
In the US, where 80 million homes have an animal family member, July is recognized as National Lost Pet Prevention Month. Pet Hub declared July is Lost Pet Prevention Month as part of a program to give pet owners the knowledge they need to prevent their animals from becoming statistics and to assist spread awareness of this problem.
History Of National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Did you know that the days leading up to July 4 are the busiest of the year for animal shelters taking in stray animals? How come this is the case? The use of fireworks by pet owners during celebrations can cause some anxiety in the family's four canines. When fireworks go off or there are backyard gatherings, many dogs and cats are startled and scared and run away and get lost.
In addition to the festivities, many families take summer vacations. Pets that accompany their owners on vacation run the risk of becoming lost in a strange setting. Those who are abandoned could go away out of loneliness or distress. Unfortunately, only 17 percent of canines and less than 3 percent of lost pets who end up in shelters find their way home.
Pet Hub started Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014 to encourage a deeper conversation on the many aspects of keeping pets safe at home with their family due to the high frequency of missing pets this time of year. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that each year, 6.5 million companion animals are brought into animal shelters. Out of the 6.5 million, there are roughly 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats. Thankfully, there are a number of methods a pet owner may do to prevent their pet from getting lost and ending up in a shelter.
Here are some fundamental safety measures you may implement for your pet this Fourth of July (and always). Use constructive criticism. With dogs and cats, rewards or positive reinforcement are helpful. After each failed escape attempt, don't chastise and punish your pet; instead, give him or her praise for paying attention, coming when called, and stopping the activity.
If you do let your dogs out, make sure they are on a leash or in a yard that is completely enclosed. Even if your dog responds well to voice commands, you should always walk your dog with a leash. Even trained dogs are prone to forgetting their commands and running away from loud, unexpected noises. The entire family can have a fun-filled, risk-free July 4 if you remember to follow these tips for preventing pet loss.
Why National Lost Pet Prevention Month Important
1. It reduces the number of missing pets
Taking specific measures to keep your pet is a good idea in addition to preventing their loss. Since July is the busiest month of the year and many people take summer vacations and travel with their pets, it helps lower the number of missing pets.
2. You never want to lose your pet
Pet parents' anguish when their dog or cat passes away is compounded by the loss of a small life for whom they were responsible. Make sure your animal companion is always secure.
3. It raises awareness
The National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy and the National Humane Society's investigation revealed numbers showing that 10 million pets go missing each year, with only 10 of those many being found.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month Timeline
2005
Safe for Missing Pets
Less than 23% of lost pets in the US are ever found by their owners.
2009
Unwanted Animals Visiting the A.S.P.C.A
Only 4% of stray animals placed at the A.S.P.C.A. without tags are taken back home.
2014
First Lost Pet Prevention Month
Pet Hub encourages deeper conversations on securing pets at home.
2020
Reduction of Missing Animals
Veterinarians and animal shelters provide microchip scanning as a means of preventing pet loss for everyone.
5 Facts About With To Do If You Find A Lost Pet
1. Share your discovered pet
Make social media posts on pets that have been found and lost.
2. Take pets without I.D. to a shelter
The animal has the best chance for survival in an animal shelter if it is missing an identity tag or microchip.
3. Call the authorities
Contact animal control instead of putting yourself at risk by attempting to capture violent animals.
4. Carefully capture and contain it
If possible, attempt to capture and enclose any stray animals you come across.
5 Check for identification
Check the pet's identification tag when you've found it, then get in touch with the owner.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month FAQS
What other strategies should I know?
It may seem silly to believe that you would need to confine your pet if you have a dog or cat that never leaves the yard.
How long does it take to recover from the loss of a pet?
Acute depressive symptoms following a pet loss can endure for one to two months while mourning symptoms might last for up to a year (on average).
Why is National Lost Pet Prevention Month in July?
It's because fireworks are used to celebrate Independence Day in July. Fireworks terrify some animals to the point where they escape and end up in animal shelters.
How to Observe National Lost Pet Prevention Month
1. Collar and I.D. tag your pet
Every pet must have a collar that displays the most recent contact information of its owner. This simple precaution can help a kind stranger find you more easily and reunite you with your pet.
2. Make an escape-proof enclosure available
If your pet spends a lot of time outside, check that its cage is impenetrable. The ground supports should be strong enough to prevent digging dogs from tunneling under fences, and fences should be high enough to prevent your pet from scaling or leaping over them.
3. Never leave your pet unattended
The majority of lost dogs are left alone when they disappear, however, a fearful dog can take off its collar and go, even in a throng. When your pet is outside, keeping it visible can greatly reduce the possibility that it will become lost.
