National Dog Theft Awareness Day is on the 14th March and it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the steps we can take to help keep our dogs safe, whether that’s from theft or them going missing for other reasons.
From recall training and knowing the steps to take to pet-proof your home, to microchipping and collars, the pet care specialists at Pets at Home have shared their advice to help protect your four-legged friend.
And, if the unthinkable were to happen, the free Pets at Home VIP club app also includes its free pet-finding service, Find My VIP, to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
Understand the importance of recall training
Teaching your dog to come back to you when called, known as recall, is one of the most important behaviours you can teach, particularly while they’re still a puppy.
Just like humans, dogs have their own personalities and quirks, and sometimes their instinctive behaviours could lead them to go missing. As an example, some have more of a tendency to be hunters and may be more likely to run off, while others are less wary of unfamiliar faces and could want to engage with approaching strangers.
Having a strong and reliable recall helps in these situations, as it means you can comfortably let your dog off their lead in a public place but know they will return to you when called. Whether you whistle or use a word like ‘here’, the key is to be really clear and concise, and they should come back even when there are exciting distractions around.
Always make sure they’re wearing a collar and tag
It’s a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar and tag with their owner‘s details on when in public – for their own safety and to stop them from being identified as strays – but there are also plenty of other accessories you can invest in too.
If you’re heading out while it’s darker outside, glow in the dark coats – such as the 3 Peaks 3 in 1 Dog Jacket – as well as reflective collars and harnesses can help you identify your pup.
Have your dog microchipped
While collars and tags should always be worn, since April 2016 it has also been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped when they leave the home they were born in or the rescue centre they came from. This is essential to ensure they can always be identified, giving you the best possible chance of being reunited should your dog get lost or go missing.
Microchipping adds a permanent method of identification and sees a chip – as tiny as a grain of rice – inserted under your dog’s skin. This can then be scanned by a device to reveal a unique code which can be inputted into a database to reveal their owner’s contact details.
If your dog isn’t microchipped or you have any concerns, be sure to contact your vet – but remember that it’s a very simple and painless procedure which shouldn’t cause your pet any problems.
Pet-proof your home and garden
While it’s important for your home to be pet-proofed all year round, Pets at Home data* highlights that you should remain extra vigilant during the warmer months, when you’re likely to spend more time in the garden.
Make sure gates and fences are kept closed or locked, and regularly check them for signs of damage that could make it easier for your pet to escape or people to get in.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your dog, even in a secure garden, and avoid leaving them unattended for long periods of time.
Act quickly if you know your dog has gone missing, and know what help is available
If you do find yourself in a situation where your dog is missing, try not to panic. Alert your neighbours and friends nearby, your Local Authority Dog Warden and kennels, contact the microchip database and vets and rescue centres in your local area, and visit places you would usually walk with your dog.
You can also sign up to Pets at Home’s VIP club now to gain access to Find My VIP, a free pet-finding service to help reunite lost pets with their owners. It allows you to send a Lost Pet Alert, with details of the time your pet went missing and the location, to other members in your local area, and download missing pet posters and social media post templates to help spread the word.
And it’s not just for dogs, the service also covers cats, small animals such as rabbits and hamsters, and reptiles.
For more information, advice and exclusive offers, pet owners can sign up to Pets at Home’s free VIP club. Pets at Home stores also have Pet Care Advisors who are happy to help with any questions on how to keep your pet safe.
