8 Reasons Why Pets Go Missing

REASONS WHY PETS GO MISSINGGET SCAREDGET STOLEN

10 million pets are lost in the United States each year — and one out of three pets will go missing at some point in their lifetime! Here are ways you can beat these odds and avoid losing your pet!

REASON #1

IMPROPER FENCING

Cause:

Open gates, broken fence doors, missing fence panels, or faulty electric fences!

Prevention:

  • Securely latch all gates
  • Repair missing, warped or broken fence pieces
  • Seal any gaps that a pet can crawl underneath
  • Check electric fence collar batteries and electric fencing perimeter
  • Re-check boundaries after storms

REASON #2

LOUD NOISES

Cause:

Fireworks, thunder, motorcycles, and other loud sounding vehicles!

Prevention:

  • Set up a quiet place for your pet with toys and long lasting treats
  • Expose your pet to similar noises ahead to help your pet acclimate
  • Bring your pet inside before planned, noisy events will occur
  • Check fence boundaries before letting pet outside

REASON #3

MOVING ADDRESSES

Cause:

Relocating to a new home or apartment with unfamiliar sights and sounds!

Prevention:

  • Take your pet ahead of time to explore their new residence
  • Set-up your pet’s new space with familiar items and smells
  • Update records with AKC Reunite on new address

REASON #4

OPEN DOORS

Cause:

Guests visiting for events, to pet-sit, or to fix maintenance issues!

Prevention:

  • Train your pet that open doors do not mean “go!”
  • Keep your pet in a secure environment when guests arrive
  • Establish a homeowner’s rule on open doors
  • Add self-locking or security systems for doors and windows

REASON #5

WILDLIFE TEMPTATIONS

Cause:

Large or small, woodland critters and wildlife can be unpredictable!

Prevention:

  • Make sure you have sturdy and secure fencing
  • Keep pet leashed when outside
  • Watch pet closely if un-leashed on walks or unsecured yard
  • Train pet on proper recall and not to chase
  • Spay or neuter your pet

REASON #6

OFF-LEASH WALKS

Cause:

These provide no barrier from outdoor temptations, regardless of training!

Prevention:

  • Walk in areas that are not heavily trafficked
  • Explore areas that can become familiar and safe for your pet
  • Bring a leash always — just in case!
  • Work on recall training to corral pet’s curiosity

REASON #7

BAD
ACTORS

Cause:

It only takes a minute for your pet to be stolen in plain sight by bad actors!

Prevention:

  • Never leave your pet tied up outside a storefront or alone in a car
  • Keep a watchful eye on your pet if yard is accessible from the road
  • Avoid off-leash walks in unfamiliar areas
  • Ensure home and car doors/windows are secure

REASON #8

ALL
ALONE

Cause:

When left alone, some pets can become extremely anxious or bored!

Prevention:

  • Secure windows and doors, especially when pets are alone
  • Give your pet plenty of attention and stimulation when you are together
  • Leave behind toys and long-lasting treats to distract your pet
  • Consider hiring help to check in on pet