Lost Pet Prevention: Spring Edition

"Prevention of Lost Pets" is a topic we've focused quite a bit on over the last decade, encouraging thoughtful actions, safe habits, and a mindset of avoiding tragedy. No judgement!! This is us saying "hey, as a young, inexperienced pet parent I didn't think of these things" - and by passing it on to you now - together we can prevent animals from getting lost. Always Think First = #SafetyForTheWholeFamily

National Window Safety Week is observed during the first week in April. While it was launched to educate parents and prevent injuries to kids, we are taking this opportunity to remind pet parents about safety for animals as well. Whether your home is filled with dogs, cats, pet rabbits, ferrets, etc., every single spring, as soon as the warm weather arrives, the lost posts come flooding in; "our cat leaned on a loose screen and fell out of the window", or "the ferret escaped through a hole in the sliding door screen", or "an old screen gave way". It happens! And hey, at one point in time we didn't think of this stuff either....but now that we know, we can share it with you.

This week, we encourage you to "THINK PREVENTION FIRST" - take the time to double check all of your windows and screens to prepare for warmer weather. Look for worn out materials which may give way if your pet was to lean against them, tears or gaps in the material, and inspect each window to ensure a snug-fitting screen is securely in place. This just might save your beloved pet from escaping or falling out and being hurt, and it's a great time of the year to plan ahead.

What's next? Use this post to think of other ways your beloved family members could escape or go missing; walk the house and double check doors, sliders, gates, etc., then go outside and evaluate your fencing for holes, broken materials, or large gaps that a small dog might squeeze through. It's all about being the best pet parents we can possibly be, staying proactive, and minimizing opportunities for disaster.

Check out our Facebook page albums for more safety tips and lost pet prevention strategies here.

Lost Pet PR was established in 2011 to assist pets in the following areas of the Delmarva Peninsula: Sussex County, DE, the lower eastern shore of Maryland, and Accomack & Northampton Counties in Virginia. Connect with us on social media!