Prevent Losing Your Dog

1. HAVE A CHIP.  You can get one from South Bend Animal Care and Control for $20 even if you do not live in South Bend.
   Make sure your chip company has the latest phone number and address in case you have moved or changed phone numbers.
   24PetWatch      866-597-2424       www.24PetWatch.com
   AKC                   800-252-7894       www.akccar.com 
   AVID                  800-336-2843      www.avidid.com 
   Banfield            877-567-8738       (Part of HomeAgain) 
   Bayer ResQ       877-738-5465       www.petlink.net 
   HomeAgain       888-466-3242      www.homeagain.com
   
   
2. Have a tag with the name and 10 DIGIT PHONE NUMBER. Why ten digits?  There are multiple area codes in our area. 
   Also if there is a disaster and your dog is evacuated, this will help them reach you faster. 
   PetSmart stores have a tag engraving machine in their stores and they are about $20, some are less.
   
   
3. Have good pictures of your dog from all angles and at their level, not just looking down on them. Have a clean background so it is easier to see the dog. Keep these pictures on your smart phone so you can tweet, Facebook or email them to others.  It is also helpful to show people as you are out looking.
   
   
4. Keep a notebook with all your Vet receipts, chip information and dog pictures.
   
   
5. Have a pre-made “Lost Dog” poster so if your dog ever does get lost, all you have to do is run off copies.
   
   
6. Keep their collars on ALL THE TIME. Periodically check the collars to see if they are too lose or too tight or worn.  If the tags jingle, you can put clear tape on them or purchase ones where the number is woven into it. Slide over tags are also available. A storm, fireworks, visitor opening the door, escaping from the yard can happen in split second.
   
   
7. Always go out with your dog night or day.  Dogs are being stolen.  It only takes a couple of seconds.  They can be snatched or lured away with food.  If you do not have a high, locked fence, realize people can enter your yard to take them.  Unfortunately dogs are being stolen to keep as pets, sell for money or used as bait dogs in pitbull fights.
   
   
8. Check your fencing to see if there are any gaps or newly dug holes.
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9. Teach your dog perimeter boundaries and how to sit, stay and come to you.
   
   
10.  There are now tracking tags for collars, which is especially helpful for larger dogs that can cover five miles in a day.
    Air Tags, JioBit, Tractive and others are available. See what works best with your phone and the coverage in your area.

Want to help? 
Become a foster dog parent.  This keeps dogs off the death walk and gives time to find them furever homes.