July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month: No Fur Baby Gets Left Behind

Every July, National Lost Pet Prevention Month shines a spotlight on a heartbreaking yet preventable issue: the staggering number of pets that go missing each year. According to the Lost Pet Research and Recovery Site, one in three pets will become lost at some point in their lives, and without proper identification, 90% may never find their way home. This awareness month is dedicated to empowering pet guardians with the tools, knowledge, and habits needed to keep furry family members safe and sound.

🔐 Prevention Begins at Home

The first line of defense is right at your doorstep—literally. Ensuring that pets are safely confined is fundamental. This means regularly inspecting fences and gates, making sure window screens are secure, and never leaving pets unattended outdoors. Sorry dogs, but this is National Lost Pet Prevention Month, cats matter. For cats, consider “catios” (cat patios) or harness training for safe outdoor time.

🌥️Summer Family Fun

We can’t think of July and not think of all the summer events, family gatherings, and cookouts. It's a great time to congregate with all the people we love, but it’s also an opportunity for Fido to take advantage of the chaos. Cooler months make protocol easy. But when summer comes people not used to your norm make great opportunities for a dog to make a break for it. When entertaining guests, be diligent in pet security. Make sure your dog has quiet space, and run through protocol with visitors. Another good idea is to create signage that secures your pets safety. Like ”keep this gate closed…we love our dog.” 

🎫 Identification is Everything

An effective way to reunite lost pets with their families is through identification. While collars with updated tags are important, microchipping is even more dependable. A microchip provides permanent identification that cannot be lost or removed, and most shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians now offer free scanning for chips. Pets with microchips are much more likely to be reunited with their owners compared to those without. Research indicates that more than 52% of microchipped dogs and nearly 39% of microchipped cats find their way back to their owners. In contrast, only about 22% of dogs and less than 2% of cats without microchips are returned to their owners, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Ensure your contact details are registered and up-to-date with the chip manufacturer. While these chips are not infallible, National Lost Pet Prevention Month is an excellent opportunity to have your chip checked! If your pet isn't microchipped, explore another article in our blog archives. Microchipping Your Dog: Things You Should Know

Book an appointment for a scan or buy your own scanner to keep at home. 

📵 Technology Can Help 

Smart collars, GPS trackers, and pet-finding apps are growing in popularity and can provide peace of mind. But don’t forget the digital risk: lost pets often bolt due to loud noises or chaotic environments like July 4 fireworks, or thunder storms. Staying informed about pet anxiety triggers and preparing in advance—such as using calming products or creating a safe indoor space—can reduce escape risks.

🤝 Community and Awareness

Neighbors, social media, local shelters, and your local animal control office are vital allies in lost pet prevention. If you have a dog that’s a flight risk, you should take extra care in establishing your dog with your local community. Chances are your neighbors are already aware of your little Houdini, but it never hurts to swing by and visit animal control. Most officers I know are animal people, and would love a meet and greet. Should your little escape artist go on the lam, posting clear, recent photos and knowing which local Facebook groups or services to contact can make all the difference. 

✈️🏖️Vacation Time! 

Ya baby! July is time for vacation fun: do you bring your dog or leave them with a pet sitter? Both could turn tragic without being prepared for an escape! These situations are even more dire because your pet is in uncharted territory. Meaning at home he may know the neighborhood, and his newborns and animal control may know him. But on vacation or at a pet sitter, sights and smells will be new and confusing to your dog. Again, functioning microchip, proper ID attached, GPS tracking tags, and a community that cares are all keys to a speedy and safe reunion. I’d even recommend a meet and greet with the local animal control officer in the location where your dog will be staying, whether it’s on vacation with you, or at the sitters. 

✔️Let’s Sum Up National Lost Pet Prevention Month

By making a few small changes, we can significantly reduce the number of heart-wrenching “Lost Pet” posters in our communities—and more importantly, keep our cherished companions close to where they belong. Lastly, should a pet make a clean getaway…National Lost Pet Prevention Month will surely give us all the tools to ensure a speedy and safe reunion! 

July is an ideal time to review your prevention plan, update your pet’s ID, and check for a fully functioning microchip. It’s also a great time to share the information with fellow pet parents. It truly takes a village. The beach dog would be honored if you like and share this article with fellow pet owners you know and love!