Whether you get separated while out on a walk, or have a mischievous, escape-artist pet who takes advantage of open doors, windows or holes in fences — losing a pet can be one of the most anxiety-ridden experiences a pet owner faces. And while hopefully (knock on wood!) you never have to face a lost pet situation, it’s best to be prepared, just in case, says Taylor Yonkman, Animal Care Expert at the Total Pet in Cranbrook, BC. For starters, you want to make sure your pet is always wearing their collar tags and that the information on them is up-to-date, she recommends. “Include your name, their name and your phone number, at the minimum.” Also, it’s a good rule of thumb to keep your pet’s favourite treats on hand if you’re out with them and know they’ll be off leash — to incentivize them to return to you, rather than, say, chase a tantalizing squirrel into parts unknown. But there are also great, affordable tech-enabled trackers you can invest in, Yonkman says, in case your pet does go off on their own adventure.
Microchipping your pet is like giving them a VIP ticket home if they ever get lost. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice, and is embedded just under your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It stores a unique ID number that can be scanned and then links to your contact info in a database, so you can be reunited with your lost pet, explains Yonkman. Unlike collars and tags, they won’t fall off or fade, and shelters or vets who find your pet can scan them to reunite you with your furry friend quickly. It's a one-time thing — once it's in, you're good to go!
“A great alternative to microchipping is Bluetooth tracking,” Yonkman suggests. Bluetooth trackers for pets are like a game of digital hide-and-seek (within a smaller radius). These devices attach to your pet’s collar and connect to your phone via Bluetooth, letting you track them when they’re within about 100 - 300 feet often. It’s perfect for those sneaky pets who love hiding in the house or yard. The bonus? They’re lightweight and actually pretty affordable, says Yonkman. Just keep in mind that if your pet roams beyond Bluetooth range, you won’t be able to track them until they wander back close to you, making it great for short-range.
“Paws” and reflect — keep your dog safe after dark
Insightful tips from a Pet Valu Animal Care Expert on how to keep your pet safe during outdoor nighttime walks, whether you're in a rural or urban environment.
