Every year in Metropolitan Toronto, thousands of dogs and cats become lost pets. Many are never seen again by their owners—a heartbreaking experience, but one that you can prevent if you are careful. While accidents do happen, even to the most careful pet owners, in most cases a few precautions can spare you the sad experience of seaching for your lost pet.
-
Your pet should never have a vacation from its collar and identification tag, even at the cottage, or when traveling in your vehicle.
-
Make sure your cat wears a tag containing your name and phone number on its collar.
-
Have your pet micro-chipped for lifetime identification at The Toronto Humane Society.
-
Contact your animal control office to license your dog or cat, and be sure to notify them of any temporary or permanent change of address or phone number.
-
Always use a leash when your dog is outdoors.
-
Never let your cat outdoors unattended. When your cat is outdoors, use a harness and leash. Do not leave your pet in the yard unless it is supervised. Remember, a fence will not confine a pet. Cats are wonderfully agile, and dogs are amazingly adept at digging under fences that you thought were secure.
-
A spayed or neutered pet is less likely to want to roam. In addition, your pet will not add to the problem of overpopulation - a problem too serious to ignore.
-
Use a carrying case to transport small dogs and cats. Cats are quick and will respond to sudden noises or uncomfortable surroundings by jumping out of your arms.
-
Never let a cat roam freely in a moving car.
-
Each time you leave your home, and at bedtime, check to see where your pet is.
-
When opening or closing doors leading outside, be attentive to your pet's whereabouts.
-
Make sure your windows are securely screened. It would only take a few seconds for your pet to escape.
-
If you leave your pet with a sitter while you are on vacation, impress upon your sitter the importance of supervising your pet.
-
Look for breakaway collars at pet supply retailers. These collars are safer for cats, as they stretch if an animal becomes caught on something, thus preventing strangulation.
-
When you move, take extra precautions. Unfamiliar surroundings cause stress in pets, so introduce your pet to its new environment gradually.
