Statistics show that many dogs become lost during the holiday season. With the holidays fast approaching Lost Dog of America would like to remind you to keep your dog safe during the hustle and bustle:
Traveling with your pet
- Be sure your dog is wearing a current ID tag that includes your cell phone number.
- Carry a copy of your dog’s rabies certificate in case your dog gets lost and is picked up by Animal Control. It is proof of a current rabies vaccination and your ownership. This may reduce the reclaim fee or the time that your dog spends in an animal control facility.
- As an added precaution, take a piece of paper and packing tape, write the address/phone number of where you will be staying and tape it to the collar as a back-up or attach a temporary ID tag with the same information.
- To keep your dog safe while driving, please read our article: Safe Driving with Dogs
- If your dog does escape while you are traveling, please read our article: Tips for dogs that are lost from somewhere other than home
Hosting parties or gatherings
- Including your 4 legged friend is great, but if your dog is not one who goes with the flow, be sure to provide them with a nice quiet place away from the crowds to relax and feel secure.
- If your dog is a party animal and wants to be in the midst of the party – great!! ..Just be sure that someone keeps an eye on them or in a separate room and no escape routes like doors or gates are accidentally left open.
- Remember dogs who were unfazed by Uncle Joe giving them a kiss on top of the head or Grandma pinching their cheeks last year-may be terrified this year. A dog’s behavior can change as they get older. Err on the side of caution.
If the unthinkable happens and your dog does go missing, immediately file a report with our partner, Pet FBI at www.petfbi.org. You will be able create a free flyer to print and distribute and links to share on social media sites. One of our volunteers will also post your listing to the appropriate state page.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Lost Dogs of America!
12-22-2020