Say hello to National Lost Pet Prevention Month, which takes place in July in the United States where 80 million homes have an animal family member. To help raise awareness of this issue and minimize the number of missing pets, PetHub designated July as Lost Pet Prevention Month — a campaign to provide pet owners with the information they need to keep their pets from becoming statistics.
History of National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Did you know that July 4 and the days surrounding it are the busiest days of the year for animal shelters accepting lost pets? Why is this the case? Fireworks during celebrations by pet owners can be a little upsetting for the four-legged members of the family. Many dogs and cats, startled and frightened by the sounds of fireworks or the activity of backyard parties, flee and get lost.Aside from the events, many families enjoy vacations over the summer. Pets who join their owners on vacation are in danger of being disoriented in a new environment. Those that are left behind may flee due to loneliness or distress. Unfortunately, less than 3% of lost pets who wind up in shelters find their way home, and only 17% of dogs find their way home.Because of the high frequency of missing pets this time of year, PetHub launched Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014 to spark a more in-depth discussion on the numerous elements of keeping pets safe at home with their family. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, around 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters each year. There are around 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats among the 6.5 million. Fortunately, there are several techniques a pet parent may employ to keep their pet from becoming lost and ending up in a shelter.Here are some basic precautions you can take to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July (and always). Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement or rewards works effectively with dogs and cats. Instead of scolding and disciplining your pet after each escape attempt, praise him or her for listening, arriving when called, and ceasing the activity.If you do let your dogs out, make sure they are in a securely fenced-in yard or on a leash. When taking your dog for a walk, keep it leashed at all times, even if it’s good at listening to voice commands. Even well-trained dogs may forget their training and bolt if they hear loud, unexpected noises. Be sure to keep these pet-loss prevention guidelines in mind, and when July 4 comes, it can be a joyful, safe experience for the entire family.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month timeline
Less than 23% of missing pets in the U.S. reunite with their owners.
Almost 7,700 stray animal placements go to the A.S.P.C.A.; only 4% without tags return home.
PetHub promotes more in-depth discussions about keeping pets safe at home.
Microchip scanning is made available for all by vets and shelters, managing pet loss.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month FAQs
Why is National Lost Pet Prevention Month in July?
It is because people celebrate Independence Day in July by setting off fireworks. Some pets are terrified of fireworks that they flee and wind up in animal shelters.
What other strategies should I know?
If you have a dog that never leaves the yard or a cat that never ventures outdoors, it may seem absurd to think you’d have to confine your pet.
How long does it take to recover from the loss of a pet
Symptoms of acute sadness after the loss of a pet can last one to two months, with mourning symptoms lasting up to a year (on average).
How to Observe National Lost Pet Prevention Month
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Never leave your pet unattended
While a scared dog can remove its collar and dart away, even in a crowd, the majority of lost pets are left alone when they go missing. Keeping your pet visible when it is outside can considerably lessen the likelihood of it becoming lost.
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Collar and I.D. tag your pet
All pets should wear a collar with their owner’s current contact information. This small precaution can assist a good Samaritan in quickly locating you and reuniting you with your pet.
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Make an escape-proof enclosure available
If your pet spends a lot of time in the yard, make sure its cage is escape-proof. Fences should be high enough to keep your pet from leaping or scaling them, and the ground supports should be sturdy enough to keep digging dogs from burrowing beneath them.
5 Facts About What To Do If You Find A Lost Pet
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Call the authorities
Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting to catch aggressive animals, contact animal control.
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Check for identification
Once you’ve located a lost pet, check its I.D. tag and contact the owner.
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Take pets without I.D. to a shelter
If the animal lacks an identification tag or a microchip, its best chance is at an animal shelter.
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Carefully capture and contain it
IF you find a stray cat or dog, try to trap and confine it if the situation allows.
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Share your discovered pet
Create posts on social media for lost and found pets.
Why National Lost Pet Prevention Month is Important
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It raises awareness
According to statistics gathered from research done by the National Council of Pet Population Study and Policy and the National Humane Society, 10 million pets are lost each year, with just 10 of this large number being found.
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It reduces the number of missing pets
In addition to keeping your pet from becoming lost, taking certain steps to keep your pet is a smart idea. It helps reduce the number of missing pets, as July is the busiest month of the year, as many people take summer holidays and travel with their pets.
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You never want to lose your pet
It sucks when pet parents lose a little life for which they were responsible, as well as the grief they feel when they lose their dog or cat. Make sure your pet is safe and sound at all times.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
