Safe and sound

Worried about your pet going missing or being stolen from your yard? Here are a few tips to keep your fur babies safe.

MICROCHIP YOUR PETS.

This option is permanent and has many benefits: microchipped pets are reunited with their owners faster than any pup without identification. Plus, it makes it harder for thieves to successfully resell your pet, as many of the pets that are sold on the side of the road, once removed from the sellers, are checked for a microchip at the vet. You will also receive a microchip tag for their collar, which can be scanned for your information. (Remember to always keep your pet’s information updated if you move or change phone numbers!)

IT IS BEST TO NOT LET YOUR DOG BE VISIBLE FROM THE ROAD.

If you have palisade or wooden fencing, the best way to protect your dog is to purchase black mesh, double it over and cable-tie it to your gate.

USE A LEASH.

This depends on the dog, obviously, but if your dog doesn’t always respond when you call, keep them on a leash when you go for a walk – especially if you’re going somewhere where they can easily run off and get lost: on hikes in forests or mountains, or during a trip to the beach.

SECURE YOUR YARD.

Before leaving home, double-check that your dog is still on your property and that they have not slipped out while you were locking up. If they are in a fenced area by day, it’s also a good idea to do a weekly perimeter check to make sure that there are no gaps in your fence or below your walls.

HAVE YOUR PET STERILISED.

Pets that are unsterilised are more appealing to thieves because they can be used to breed.