All kinds of pets go missing each day. Whether it’s a determined dog that has managed to jump over the fence in his yard or a sneaky cat that has slipped through the front door, there are many ways that our furry friends can become lost. All told, it’s estimated that over 10 million pets go missing each year in the United States alone! That is why it is so vital to ensure that your pets are properly identifiable so that a moment of panic does not potentially become a lifetime of regret.
With the help of National Pet ID Week, observed this year from April 15-21, pet owners are encouraged to take the time necessary to make sure that their pets are correctly ID’d and micro-chipped. It takes moments to get tags or chips that could save your four-legged friend’s life and make sure he or she remains close. Once you have taken steps to keep your pet safe, why not treat them to a secure space they can call their own, with a custom pet bed from J’adore?
Preventing Your Pets from Becoming Another Unfortunate Statistic
Nobody plans to lose their pet, but for many families this an unfortunate reality. While many pets simply escape their homes, yards or other enclosures, others may be stolen or hiding due to illness. Whatever the case may be, the statistics for unidentified lost pets are grim. Less than two percent of lost cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are ever recovered. The sad fact is that without identification, most missing pets are never reunited with their original owners.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to preventing pet loss. Getting external ID tags for your pet’s collar, as well as getting your pet microchipped, are a great way to better the odds that your pet will be reconnected with you if they become lost. If your cat or dog ever ends up at a shelter, routine checks for identification should be able to bring up your information, provided you have at least a phone number or address listed on the tag or registered with the chip. As many animal shelters are overcrowded as it is, it is essential that shelter workers can identify your pet as quickly as possible.
What To Do if You Suspect Your Cat or Dog is Missing
Assuming you have given your pet highly visible ID tags and they are micro-chipped, the best thing to do if you suspect your pet is missing or stolen is not to panic but act immediately. If you are certain that your pet is no longer on your property, you may consider asking neighbors if they have seen your cat or dog or placing fliers. Check local shelters or rescue groups to see if your pet has entered their system. You can even leverage social media to expand your search and to keep more eyes on the lookout. In short, be prepared to utilize whatever resources are available. Your persistence could make all the difference.
Creating a Safe, Personalized Place for Your Pets
While it is hopeful that you will never have to deal with the terror that comes with losing a lost pet, if you have taken the right precautions and ID’ed your pet, you should allow yourself to have some peace of mind as a responsible pet parent. To show your pet your love, and to give them a safe space for their comfort, you could consider getting them their own personalized pet bed. You can design all the details, and even have their name embroidered, so there is no question who the owner is.
Each custom-made cuddle pet bed is made from furniture-grade upholstery for the utmost in creature comfort. If your pet is a heavy shedder, you can reverse the bed and give it a fresh new look when needed. To learn more about how you can make a one-of-a-kind bed that is as unique and special as your fuzzy companion is to you, contact J’adore for more details.