Every July, Lost Pet Prevention Month raises awareness about one of the most heartbreaking realities of pet ownership—losing a beloved companion. According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million pets go missing every year in the U.S., and many never make it back home.
At DogTuff, we believe prevention is key—but we also want pet parents to feel empowered if the unthinkable happens. Below are 20 actionable tips to help keep your pets safe and speed up reunification if they ever become lost.
🛡️ 10 Tips to Prevent a Lost Pet
1. Always Use a Collar with an Up-to-Date Pet ID Tag
A durable, engraved Pet ID Tag is your pet’s first line of defense. Include their name and a phone number. Check that it’s securely attached and clearly legible.
👉 Popular options:
• Red Dingo Paw Print Tag
• Red Dingo American Flag Tag
• Red Dingo Mountain Tag
2. Microchip Your Pet—and Keep It Registered
Microchips are permanent identifiers, but only effective if your contact info is up to date. Visit your chip registry (e.g., HomeAgain, PetLink) to verify your details.
3. Double-Check Fence Lines and Gates
Loose boards, holes under fences, or unlatched gates are common escape routes. Do a monthly check of your yard’s perimeter.
4. Secure Doors and Windows
Even screen doors or cracked windows can become escape points—especially during storms or fireworks.
5. Train Your Dog with a Solid Recall
Teaching a strong “come” command could stop your dog mid-chase or help recover them quickly if they slip away.
6. Avoid Off-Leash Walks
Even in parks or open spaces, only let your dog off-leash in designated areas—and only if they are well-trained to return on command.
7. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
A bored dog is more likely to escape out of curiosity or frustration. Durable Dog Toys like puzzle feeders, tug toys, and treat-stuffers help reduce restlessness and destructive behavior.
🧸 Shop enrichment toys at DogTuff.com
8. Use a GPS Tracker or Smart Tag
Smart collars and GPS trackers add another safety layer by letting you track your pet’s location in real time.
9. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Unfixed pets are more likely to roam in search of a mate. Spaying/neutering helps reduce the urge to wander.
10. Have a Recent, Clear Photo of Your Pet
Take updated photos regularly—full body, face, and any distinguishing features. This helps with flyers and online alerts.
🔍 10 Tips to Reunite With a Lost Pet
Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If your pet does go missing, follow these steps to maximize your chances of recovery:
1. Start Searching Immediately
Time is critical. Begin searching your neighborhood as soon as you realize your pet is gone.
2. Call Local Shelters and Vets
Alert local shelters, animal control, and nearby veterinary offices. Leave them with your pet’s photo and your contact info.
3. Use Social Media
Post in local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and lost pet networks. Include a recent photo, pet description, where they were last seen, and your phone number.
4. Make and Distribute Flyers
Create easy-to-read flyers with bold headlines like “LOST DOG” or “MISSING CAT,” a photo, and your contact info. Post around your neighborhood and local businesses.
5. Check Microchip Registries
Contact your pet’s microchip provider to mark them as lost and ensure all contact information is correct.
6. Leave Out Familiar Scents
Place your pet’s bed, toys, or worn clothing outside. Scent can help guide your pet back home.
7. Visit Shelters Daily
Don’t rely on phone calls—visit in person if possible. Descriptions over the phone can sometimes be mismatched.
8. Use Online Lost Pet Databases
Register your pet on websites like Petfinder, PawBoost, Petco Love Lost, and local humane society sites.
9. Don’t Chase a Sighting
If someone spots your pet, calmly approach or sit down and try luring them with treats. Chasing can scare them farther away.
10. Stay Consistent and Don’t Give Up
Pets have been found weeks or even months after going missing. Keep your search going, and update flyers and posts as needed.
🐶 Pet Safety Starts at Home
Lost Pet Prevention Month is the perfect time to do a full pet safety audit:
✔️ Is your dog wearing a Pet ID Tag with current info?
✔️ Is their microchip registered and updated?
✔️ Do you have a current photo of your pet?
✔️ Are they mentally stimulated with safe Dog Toys?
✔️ Are fences and doors secure?
If you answered “no” to any of the above—now is the time to take action.
🔗 Helpful Links from DogTuff:
No one ever thinks it will happen to them—until it does.
Taking proactive steps today ensures you’ll be ready for tomorrow. Whether it’s a backyard bolt or a door left open, you’ll be one step ahead with the right tools and knowledge in place.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and hug your pup a little tighter this July.
