Discovering a beloved pet has gone missing is one of the most dreadful feelings a pet owner can experience. To reduce the risk of your pet getting lost and increase the likelihood of a safe return, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Update their identification. The quickest way to get your pet back home is by ensuring they wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your current contact information. 

A microchip is the most permanent form of identification for your pet. It’s about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted between your pet’s shoulder blades. Although microchips do not track your pet’s movements, they provide a reliable way to access your contact information if your pet is found and brought to a veterinarian or shelter. 

If your pet is already microchipped, now is a good time to check that your contact info is current with the microchip company. If your pet is not yet microchipped, schedule a visit with your veterinarian or stop by the Humane Society’s low-cost clinic at 610 Abbott Lane. Schedule online: HSPPR.org.

2. Use a Bluetooth tracker. Consider using a Bluetooth-enabled tracker, such as an Apple AirTag, which allows you to monitor your pet’s location continuously. PetSmart offers a range of affordable and customizable tags that are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.

3. Keep your pet’s documents in an easily accessible location. If your pet is found and taken to an animal shelter, you may be asked to provide proof of ownership in order to reclaim them. Proof of ownership can include adoption records, dog licenses, vaccine certificates or photos of the pet that clearly show any unique markings. 

4. Secure your pet during events. Summer events like barbecues and fireworks can startle pets, increasing the risk of them running away. During such events, keep your pet in a secure, quiet area inside your home and avoid letting them out when fireworks are likely. 

5. Brush up on obedience training. Being able to control your dog through voice commands like “come,” “stay” and “leave it” may keep them from darting toward a distraction or wandering too far off trail during a summer hike. 

6. Spay or neuter your pet. Pets that are not spayed or neutered are more likely to wander off looking for love, especially during the summer. Spaying or neutering your pet not only decreases the likelihood of them leaving but also reduces the number of animals in shelters, curbs unwanted behaviors and lowers the risk of certain cancers and illnesses.

If your pet does go missing or if you find a stray pet, contact El Paso County Animal Services at 719-473-1741, post in local Facebook groups dedicated to lost and found pets and spread the word!