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Expert Tips on Keeping Your Pets Safe: Insights from TEARS Animal Rescue on Preventing Loss and Ensuring a Quick Reunion

Losing a pet is a heart-wrenching experience for any owner. The panic and uncertainty can be overwhelming, but there are effective strategies to prevent pets from getting lost and to increase the chances of a safe return if they do. In this expert interview, Tinka Shapiro from TEARS Animal Rescue shares her insights on common reasons pets get lost, preventative measures, the importance of microchipping, and the role of technology in ensuring pet safety. She also provides practical advice on what to do if a pet goes missing and recounts some heartwarming success stories of lost pets being reunited with their owners.

What are the most common reasons pets get lost, and how can pet owners prevent these situations?

A big issue, especially with dogs, is that some of them are escape artists. Some dogs just love to climb fences and walls, like little primates. The likelihood of a dog escaping really depends on the dog. For cats, it’s about what measures you have in place to keep them from getting out.

Other common reasons pets get lost include accidental escapes, like when a door is left open and your pet runs out, or simple carelessness. Also, unneutered male pets, both dogs and cats, are more likely to wander off.

To prevent these situations, pet owners need to secure their fences and doors, stay vigilant, and adapt to their pet’s behavior. If your dog is an escape artist, you need to make a plan to keep them in. It’s all about being proactive and willing to take the necessary steps to keep your pets safe.

Pet Safety and Preventing Lost Pets. cat walking in the street.

How important is microchipping, and what should pet owners know about this process?

Microchipping is very important. It involves inserting a small chip under the pet’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades. Sometimes it can migrate a bit, but it’s generally in that area. The chip contains a unique number linked to a database with all the pet’s information, like the owner’s details, address, backup phone numbers, and any urgent medical info. This is more reliable than a tag or collar, which can get lost.

One of the biggest advantages is that it helps prove ownership. If your dog gets stolen or your cat ends up with someone else, the microchip can confirm they belong to you. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and your peace of mind.

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What steps can pet owners take to ensure their homes and yards are secure for their pets?

Securing your home and yard for your pets is crucial. Here are some key steps to consider:

  • Fence Height and Security: The height of your walls or fences should be appropriate for your dog’s size. For small dogs, you don’t need a 2-meter wall, but for larger dogs or escape artists, higher walls or fences might be necessary. Make sure the base of the fence is secure, especially if it’s a fence rather than a solid wall, because dogs love to dig.
  • Fence Material: Consider the material of your fence. If it’s made of wood, be aware that dogs can chew through it. Ensure the fence is sturdy and appropriate for your pet’s behavior.
  • Gaps and Holes: Check for any holes in your garden that your pet could slip through. Also, be mindful of gaps between vertical palisades in your fence.
  • Drains and Pool Safety: Make sure drains are covered and safe, especially for puppies and kittens. If you have a pool, ensure your dog knows how to swim and can find the steps to get out. If your dog can’t find a way out, it might drown from exhaustion.
  • Gate Safety: If you have a gate for your car, consider installing a double gate system. This way, if one gate is open, the other can prevent your dog from running out. Train your dog to respect the boundaries set by gates.

lost dog in the forest. Pet Safety and Preventing Lost Pets

How can pet owners effectively use collars and ID tags to increase the chances of recovering lost pets?

First, it’s important to use the right type of collar. For cats, choose a collar with a bit of elastic so if it gets caught on something like a tree, the collar can stretch and come off, preventing the cat from getting strangled. For dogs, use a flat collar, not one with a choke mechanism or chain that tightens. The collar should be loose enough to slip over the dog’s head if it gets caught but secure enough to stay on during regular activities.

In addition to the collar, attach an ID tag with as much information as possible. Include your phone number, your name, and the pet’s name. There are also collars that allow you to embroider this information directly onto the collar. Some people use a permanent marker to write on the inside of the collar as a backup in case the tag falls off.

Using a combination of these methods ensures that even if one method fails, the other will still provide the necessary information to help return your pet. The more information you can provide, and the more secure it is, the better the chances of recovering your lost pet.

What role do pet trackers and GPS devices play in ensuring pet safety?

Pet trackers and GPS devices can be incredibly useful for ensuring pet safety, but they have their pros and cons. Devices like Apple AirTags or other GPS tags can help you locate your pet if they go missing, which is especially useful if you’re hiking or in large open areas. They can provide peace of mind by showing your pet’s location in real-time.

However, these devices need to be charged regularly, and the logistics of using them can be a bit much for everyday use. They’re typically too bulky for cats, but they can be great for dogs, especially during outdoor activities. Some trackers require a subscription service, while others do not, so you need to choose what works best for you.

It’s important not to rely solely on GPS devices for pet safety. While they can help you locate your pet, they don’t prevent your pet from getting lost in the first place. Owners might become complacent, thinking that if their pet gets out, they can just track them down. Safety involves more than just knowing where your pet is; it requires proactive measures to keep them from getting lost in the first place.

cat walking on street. Pet Safety and Preventing Lost Pets

How should pet owners respond if their pet goes missing, and what immediate actions should they take?

The first thing to do is to get as much information out as quickly as possible. Here are the immediate steps to take:

Share Pictures and Information:

    • Use social media to spread the word. Post pictures and details about your pet on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
    • Share on community groups, neighborhood watch groups, and pet-specific groups on platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook.
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Post Flyers and Posters:

    • Put up posters in your neighborhood, at local traffic lights, and community bulletin boards.
    • Distribute flyers to your neighbors with a photo of your pet, a brief description, and your contact information.

Contact Local Organizations:

    • Inform local rescue organizations, animal shelters, and pet groups about your missing pet.
    • Call local vets and animal hospitals to see if anyone has brought in a pet matching your description.

Neighborhood Check:

    • Ask your neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and other places where your pet might be hiding.
    • If you have a cat, it’s common for them to get trapped in garages or other small spaces, especially if the neighbor is away and unaware.

Search Your Property:

    • Thoroughly check your property and nearby areas. Pets, especially fearful dogs or curious cats, might be hiding somewhere close by.
    • Look up in trees, under bushes, and in any potential hiding spots.
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Can you share any success stories of lost pets being safely returned to their owners and what made those reunions possible?

There are many success stories of lost pets being reunited with their owners. For example, we had a dog that was adopted from our shelter and got lost while hiking in a national park. It took a few days of volunteers combing the park and the surrounding areas, but we eventually found the dog. The community’s effort and determination played a crucial role in bringing the dog back safely.

Another case involved a dog that had just been adopted and escaped from its new home by slipping out of the gate. The dog was fearful and not yet settled in its new environment. Kennel staff who were familiar with the dog went out to search and found her not far from her new home. She was scared but unharmed, and we managed to bring her back to her owner, who was very relieved.

Cats, on the other hand, are more challenging. They often wander off or move in with other families. Sometimes they get lost and are found through flyers and social media efforts. Unfortunately, there are times when they don’t return due to accidents or local wildlife, especially in areas near nature reserves with predators like caracals.

It’s essential to use multiple tools to increase the chances of recovering lost pets. Microchipping, collars with ID tags, and even GPS trackers are all valuable. My dogs are microchipped, and while I don’t use AirTags, I do everything else to ensure their safety. At TEARS, we microchip all adopted animals and register the microchip with our information as well as the owner’s. This way, if the owner’s details are outdated, we still have a record to help reunite the pet with its owner.

Using a combination of identification methods significantly increases the chances of finding a lost pet and bringing them back home safely.

Through proactive measures such as secure fencing, vigilant monitoring, and the use of identification tools like microchips and ID tags, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk of their pets getting lost. In the unfortunate event that a pet does go missing, quick action and widespread communication are crucial. Tinka Shapiro’s experiences and advice highlight the importance of community involvement and the effective use of technology in bringing lost pets back home. By combining these strategies, pet owners can enhance their pets’ safety and increase the likelihood of a happy reunion.


TEARS Animal Rescue logo

About TEARS Animal Rescue

Animal Rescue

TEARS Animal Rescue is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of animals and ending pet homelessness in Cape Town. Through our rescue, treatment, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts, we provide a lifeline to hundreds of stray, abandoned and abused animals each year. Our Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Clinics deliver essential medical care and no-cost spay and neuter services to under-resourced communities, ensuring a healthier future for both pets and their people.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current developments. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, please be aware that details, prices, and recommendations may change over time. Always consult with a professional or relevant expert for specific advice related to your pet's needs. Pets24 does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

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