Safeguard your Pet

To save yourself all the stress and anxiety of losing your pet, try not to let it go missing in the first place. Here are some suggestions on how to prevent your dog or cat getting lost.

• Keep your dog on a lead
• Don't let your dog out to walk himself
• Keep doors and windows shut
• Make sure your garden is secure
• Ensure your dog or cat is neutered
• Be extra vigilant with new pets
• Safeguard your cat

Keep your dog on a lead

As a responsible dog owner, you should always keep your dog on a lead unless you are in an area where it's safe to let him off. No matter how good you think your dog is, if a loud noise or sudden movement frightens him, or he sees something he'd like to chase like a cat or a squirrel, he may run away. Not only can he get lost, he could also cause damage to himself or someone else, or get injured in a road traffic accident. Keep him on a lead and keep him safe - it's far cheaper and less traumatic than the trip to the vet you will have to make if he gets hit by a car.

Don't let your dog out to walk himself

A dog on the street without an owner is illegal and officially a stray. You must be with your dog at all times and make sure he is exercised regularly.

Keep doors and windows shut

Make sure your house is secure. If doors are often left open, or your dog or cat often escapes when the front door is opened, fit baby-gates. Keep lower windows shut, especially in the summer.

Make sure your garden is secure

Make sure fences are tall enough and strong enough to be dog-proof and can't be tunnelled under. Keep gates shut.

Ensure your dog or cat is neutered

Most of the dogs we receive at the Home as strays are unneutered males. You can either go to the vet to get him neutered or some charitable organisations have schemes to help people on low incomes and/or benefits.

Be extra vigilant with new pets

Do not let your dog off the lead until you are sure you have 100% recall. Don't let a new cat venture outside for at least four weeks.

Safeguard your cat

If your cat goes outdoors, it can be more difficult to keep it safe and sound, as cats can roam over some distance.  Finding a way to get your cat to come indoors is useful, such as at mealtimes. If you can keep the cat indoors overnight, it may be safer, and if you live near a busy road, try to limit the cat's access to the road. Cats Protection produce some helpful leaflets on care of cats, which you can order through their website.