Pet Loss Prevention Tips
- Petsitter Jen
- Jul 11
- 11 min read
July is National Pet Loss Prevention Month, and it is a subject that I am passionate about.
Furryornot Petcare is responsible for many different pets, either when our clients are away or when we are out on dog walks through many different neighbourhoods of Abbotsford and Mission. We also have our own pets to worry about. Both personally and professionally, I have become hyperaware of keeping pets safe. I see so many missing pet posters around town; it makes me sad and worried.
Way back when I was a kid my cat Sissy who was an indoor/outdoor cat got lost a couple of different times. The worst was during the cold winter, and I was so scared. But, she was found under the neighbour's steps, and luckily all was well. Clyde also wandered away from home. His tether in the yard broke, and I could not find him. Eventually, he came back on his own a few hours later, thank goodness. Hal the cat wandered off and was missing for 5 whole days. I was absolutely beside myself. I put up posters and walked around the neighbourhood with a can of tuna, which the neighbours thought was weird. But one night he just showed up at the back door. I was so relieved. A couple of times, the other cats got out through a broken screen, but were found quickly.
There were also a few close calls with client pets, but luckily, we have managed to wrangle everyone back inside safely (Tadpole, I am talking about you). Fingers and paws crossed that we will never have to deal with a missing client pet.
If we are prepared and set up a few extra security measures we can keep our pets safe and prevent loss. Of course, unexpected things can still occur and pets may get lost despite our best efforts. However, the more we can do to set ourselves up for success, using the tips below, the less likely we will have to deal with that situation.
If your pet is lost, check out our resource page here.
Tips to prevent pet loss
Identification and documentation
This is a critical step for all pet parents. Please ensure your pet has identification that can be traced back to you. Identification should be listed with your current Veterinarian, the microchip company, and in your BC Pet Registry account. You need to ensure that your most up-to-date contact info is on file, so that if you move, change phones, or get a new email, you are still reachable. This is one of the most critical steps to prevent pet loss.
Microchipping
Microchipping serves as a permanent and reliable method to trace your pet back to you if they become lost. Unlike collars or ID tags, microchips are implanted under the skin and provide a lifelong link to your contact information, stored in a secure database.
Benefits of the microchip:
It is a more permanent ID, unlike collars, which can be lost or removed
Microchips can be scanned by most veterinary offices and animal shelters, which enables a quick return home.
Owners can easily update contact information in their account with the microchip company.
ID Tags
ID tags are a visible and direct method of pet identification, essential for anyone who may find your pet in the neighbourhood. ID tags are available at many pet supply stores and are easy to personalize. Tags should list the pet's name, their Veterinarian, and a way to reach you to easily facilitate a quick and safe reunion.
Just ensure they are attached to the pet's collar at all times and you may want to either use a thicker, heavy-duty ring or a double ring so that it does not easily slip off.
Benefits of the ID tag:
Inexpensive and readily available
Customizable (size, shape, colour, info)
When I found a loose dog, the way I got in touch was through the vet listed on their tag. So that is why I recommend adding that info, because the Vet can then trace things or help with the pet until they are reunited.
Ear tattoos
This is still a very important way to aid in identification. However, there are some limits to how effective this will be. The tattoo needs to be clear and readable, so if it starts to fade, particularly for older pets, it may not be as helpful. Each tattoo has a code that can be traced back to the Vet who did the tattoo, so if the code is not readable, it won't be traceable. Another important part is that if you move or change contact info the Vet office may not be able to reach you. So it is important to let your pet's original Vet know your updated contact info. If you have a rescue or rehomed pet, talk to your current veterinarian about the tattoo and if they can help update the information needed.
If you need to get your pet tattooed or find a local Vet, check out our resource page listing the vets in Abbotsford and Mission BC here.
Benefits of the ear tattoo:
It is a system used across Canada
Helps locate the original Veterinary Clinic
It will be visible even if the collar is missing or the microchip is not scanned
BC Pet Registry
The BC Pet Registry, operated by BC SPCA, is a centralized non-profit service to register and manage pet information and identification. It ensures that all registered pets can be traced efficiently and is dedicated to returning lost pets to their owners as quickly as possible.
Benefits of the BC Pet Registry:
Ensures all microchip data is organized and readily accessible in a central province-wide database if pets are found as strays.
Proceeds from the registry support BC SPCA initiatives that help all animals in BC.
They partner with international registries to expand the geographical range within which your pet can be identified and returned.
It is a hub for all the pet's important information, including tattoo, microchip, and up-to-date contact info.
To find out more about the BC Pet Registry go to:
To register your pet with the BC Pet Registry go to:
Use new technology
There are many options available now that help us keep track of our pets. If possible, I highly recommend getting your dog or any outdoor cat a GPS tracker of some sort. This will ensure you can find them when they do wander. And, if you have leash-trained your cat, a GPS tracker is a good tool because you will be able to find them if they get out of their harness.
GPS trackers
This is a great option if you have a dog, as you can attach it to their collar and use it when you are out on dog walks, camping, or at home.
Tractive: I see ads for Tractive everywhere. What I like about it is that there are different sizes, so you can get a smaller version for your cat, which is more comfortable and practical for them. It is also totally waterproof, has a long-lasting battery (up to 7 days for the small and 14 days for the large), and does basic health monitoring.
For a list of recommended trackers and their pros and cons, read this article:
Surveillance
If you set up pet cams, outdoor security cameras, and doorbell cams, you will be able to keep track of your pet inside and out. These are getting more and more affordable, so I do recommend checking out the options and setting up some sort of monitoring for your pet. If your pet does get out, you can use the footage to help in your search. And, particularly for indoor cats that have escaped, they do often hang out around the home but hide because they are scared, so you may be able to catch of glimpse of them moving from one hiding place to another and locate them that way.
For a list of recommended pet cams, read this article:
Training
Exit routine
Consistently train pets to stay away from doors when open using commands/cues, barriers, or treats to reinforce the desired behaviour. When leaving, we often give the pet a special treat, a Kong or puzzle toy, or what I call a treat toss (one client called it a 'treat explosion'), where you throw a bunch of small treats for the pet to hunt or sniff out. Ziggy gets a few kibbles tossed down the hall or some catnip. So, creating a routine around you leaving or when visitors come over is an easy way to prevent any mishaps.
Recall
Recall is another important skill you can work on at home with your dog. For tips on recall training, check these resources out:
Home and Yard Safety
Entering and Exiting the Home
Be careful when entering or exiting so no one slips out by mistake.
Open the door only enough to squeeze through
Block the opening with something at foot level like your grocery bag, purse, briefcase, shoe, etc.
Never leave the door open when pets are inside the home.
As a pet sitter, I open the door carefully and block the pets with my body, my purse, papers, a hat or whatever works. We have several cats in particular who are keen to escape out the door. In some cases, we are able to enter through the garage (and make sure the garage door is fully closed before we go into the house) as an extra safety measure.
Doors and Windows
Install Secure Locks:
Ensure all external doors and windows have secure locks.
If you want to crack a window open, make sure it is narrow enough that your pet can't break out of it.
Use a dowel, stick, or window lock to secure the partially opened window.
Use child-proof locks to prevent young children, as well as super smart dogs and cats, from accidentally opening doors on their own.
Window Screens:
Ensure all windows have sturdy screens that are securely fastened. This prevents pets, particularly cats, from scratching or pushing them out and escaping.
Canadian Tire has a product called Adfors Saint-Gobain Pet Resistant Screen, so check it out if you need to replace your screens.
Barriers:
Use pet barriers, fences, or child gates to restrict access to high-risk areas, such as balconies or entryways. Note for cat owners: Cats are good jumpers, so if you go this route, use a really high barrier that they cannot climb. A 4 or 5-foot fence works for 2 of my cats, Bean however has climbed over it when the urge takes her!
Examples of child-proofing/pet-proofing products here:
Inside the Home
Create a safe space or room where the pet can stay when needed
Designate a room or separate area where pets can stay securely during high-stress times, such as when visitors arrive or during fireworks, storms, etc.
include items like comfortable bedding, a hiding space, and their favourite toys.
Provide calming music, talk radio, or white noise to calm pets during potentially frightening situations, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, or even just when you go to work.
I recommend Peaceful Pet Music on YouTube!
The Yard
Fencing and gates
Frequently check the perimeter for gaps, holes, or loose boards that a pet could escape through or where predators could enter.
Ensure fences are tall and sturdy enough to deter jumping or climbing, and consider adding a dig-proof barrier at the base.
By tall I mean taller than the dog can jump or climb! Don't depend on the dog's size; dogs are remarkably resourceful and determined and are only limited by their dreams. A great dane may not jump over a 4-foot fence but a chihuahua might try.
Regularly check where pets may dig or escape attempts could occur along the fence line
For some examples of sturdy fencing, a dig barrier, and anti-climb products check out: https://www.dogproofer.com/
Leash and Supervision:
Supervise pets in the yard as much as possible
Use a long leash or lead when playing outside until your pet has mastered their recall training.
Train your cat to walk on a leash, too. That way they can get their adventure in but not get lost or eat all the poor little birds in the neighbourhood.
For some long lead examples, check out Tinyhorse, a Canadian company:
Create fun and safe outdoor spaces for your pets:
Create a secure area where pets can play. Use appropriate outdoor toys to keep them engaged and less likely to get bored and wander.
Catios are a great option and can be set up on patios, decks, outside a window and made to almost any size. You can buy them, have them made for you, or DIY it. Whatever works for you and your cat.
You can add netting or other barriers on balconies and add physical blockers on railings to prevent any jumpers from getting hurt or escaping over the railing.
For some ideas on how to improve your fencing or create a safer outdoor setup check out:
Visitors to Your Home
There are many situations where people may need to come into your yard or home. We can ask visitors for their help to keep our pets safe. And, we can set up a safe space for our pets to minimize risk.
Parties
If you have guests coming and will be opening the door it may be best to have your pet in a separate area until everyone has arrived or set up a barrier in the entryway so they cannot bolt through the door.
I once had a big party at home, and we were going to be hosting a lot of people. I left the doors unlocked as people were coming and going. To prepare, I put up signs at the doors and gates asking people to close the door and gate behind them so that my dog Clyde would not get let out of the yard by mistake. It worked, but also mainly because Clyde stayed in and around the table in the basement, hoping to steal food. In fact, one friend ended up supervising the food so that Clyde did not help himself after he witnessed him scooping some delicious spinach dip right off the table. Clyde was always one to exploit any opportunity to do with food. If you want to hear about the time he ate butter or when I pulled a ring of kolbassa out of his mouth comment on this post or send me a message!
Halloween
When you are opening the door often it is often best to keep the pets in a different part of the home or set up a barrier to block the doorway. There is extra risk at Halloween because of possible vandalism, pranks, cold weather, firecrackers, or fireworks. So it is not safe for pets to be out that night.
Other visitors
If you have people coming and going like handymen, professional cleaners, maintenance workers, delivery drivers, or are doing any home improvements where different tradespeople are coming in and out you will need to take some precautions. It is best to secure your pet in a safe space that they cannot get out of every time someone leaves the door or gate open. You can ask your visitors to keep certain areas closed at all times. However, if there are different workers involved or deliveries, it may be safer to just set your pet up for the day in a different and more secure spot.
Moving to a new home
I intend to write a whole blog post about this because I did a lot of research on this when we moved but the key is to not let your pet free until the movers are all done and the doors are all closed. Keep them somewhere safe, like their crate or a quiet bathroom, where the door is closed until you are finished going in and out with boxes and so on. Do not let your cat outside, at least until they are settled in the home. Cats may not be able to find their way back to the new home, may get driven off by other neighbourhood cats or wildlife, or get spooked by unusual sounds. If you have to let them out experts recommend setting up a catio for them instead. It keeps them safe, but they still get to enjoy their outdoor space.
In a nutshell...
Keeping our beloved pets safe is just as important as giving them belly rubs and treats! Now is the time to improve our pet safety measures. Use proper up-to-date ID, sign up for the BC Pet Registry, use trackers and pet cams, set up barriers and create safe spaces for your pet around the home and yard.
Thanks for reading, and reach out if you have any other tips or suggestions we can add to this post for other pet parents.
Additional resources:
