Be Careful – Be Prepared!

We all want to think that our pets are always safe. Unfortunately that just isn't true. There are too many situations that can separate us from our animals. Fire, burglary, car accidents or just one moment's lapse of attention can leave them lost or worse.

Below are some suggestions to help improve your chance of being reunited with your pet should the unthinkable happen to you.

• Make sure your pet always wears a collar with securely attached tags that have your contact information. It doesn't matter if the pet never goes outside. Remember, bad things can happen!
• Keep vaccinations up to date. You don't know what animals your pet may contact while lost
• Spay or neuter your pet. They will live longer happier lives. Animals which have been doctored are much less likely to roam and become lost!
• Have good close-up photos of all your pets, and keep them readily accessible. Having digital copies may expedite getting posters and fliers made someday.
• Know what your pet looks like. This may sound silly, but is it the left or right front foot that has that little spot of white? Is that patch over the left or right eye? You would be surprised how difficult it is to remember details during great stress. Write it down if necessary and file it away safely where you will be able to find it if ever needed.
• The use of microchip implanted under the skin of your pet's shoulders is becoming more widespread as a means of identification. It is VITAL to have ALL animals micro-chipped. Do not delay Contact your vet and make that appointment for your pet to be chipped NOW !
• Support your town or city's Animal Control Officer, Animal pounds & Sanctuaries. Due to budget cutbacks many of these hard working people don't have the resources necessary to do their job as well as they'd like. Tell your local councillor that you consider this to be a vital function of the community. Also remember the people who dedicate their lives to running animal sanctuaries. They and the sanctuaries are not sponsored or given grants by the government and therefore have to rely upon the generosity of local people and businesses. Support them in whatever way you can as it all helps in keeping these places going and more animals stand a chance of being re-united with their owner or re-homed. Without your support they cannot save or re-home animals.