National Lost Dog Awareness Day: How you can help keep the dog safe

Losing a dog is an experience no pet owner ever wants to face. The feeling of helplessness and worry that comes with a lost pet is both heart-wrenching and overwhelming. That’s why National Lost Dog Awareness Day, annually on April 23, is so important. This day is a reminder and to educate pet owners about the risks of losing a dog and to provide helpful resources. Whether it’s an accidental escape through an open gate, a misstep during a walk, or a sudden distraction that leads to a lost pet, National Lost Dog Awareness Day helps us to understand how we can prevent it and what we can do in case of a lost dog.

The statistics of lost dogs

In the U.S. alone, approximately 10 million pets go missing every year. That’s a staggering number. It’s a reality that many pet owners don’t fully consider until it happens to them. According to the American Humane Association, 1 in 3 pets will go missing during their lifetime. This means that many of us will experience the pain of searching for a lost pet. But studies also show that 85% of lost dogs are eventually returned to their owners. Pets that are microchipped are twice as likely to be returned. This highlights the value of quick action when the dog goes missing.

How to prevent your dog from getting lost

While no one can predict an unexpected situation, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your dog is as safe as possible. First you have to make sure that your dog has proper identification. Every dog should wear a collar with an ID tag that has your contact information. However, collars and tags can get lost. This is where microchipping becomes essential. They can’t fall off or be lost, and they’re easily scanned by shelters or animal control officers if your dog is found.

Also make sure that your yard is secured. A secure, fenced-in yard can go a long way in preventing your dog from escaping. Ensure that there are no gaps or weak spots in the fence that could allow your dog to slip through. Even if your dog is trained to stay in the yard, it's essential to double-check the perimeter regularly. While it might seem like common sense, it’s important to always supervise your dog, especially in unfamiliar or busy areas. Dogs can be quick to run after something that piques their interest, and an unsupervised moment can quickly turn into a lost dog situation.

And last but not least: make sure that your dog is leash trained. Leash training is a key part of keeping your dog safe when out and about. Even if your dog is well-behaved, distractions like squirrels, other dogs, or loud noises can cause them to dart off unexpectedly. A strong, secure leash and harness can make all the difference. Don’t just rely on a fence or that your dog knows the boundaries, because they will roam the streets when they see something that is high value to them.

What to do if your dog goes missing

Despite our best efforts, sometimes accidents happen. If your dog goes missing, it's crucial to stay calm and act quickly. Begin by thoroughly searching your own property and immediate surroundings. Dogs often hide in nearby bushes, under cars, or in areas they know well. Alert your neighbors about the situation. Especially if your dog is likely to have wandered into their yards. Contact your local animal shelters, animal control, and the police. Some shelters have lost and found listings, and they may have resources for helping you find your pet. If your dog is microchipped, call your microchip provider immediately to report your pet as lost. They can update your dog’s status in the chip’s database, making it easier for shelters or vets to contact you if your dog is found.

Social media is a powerful tool when it comes to spreading the word about a lost dog. Post a picture of your dog and detailed information (breed, age, last seen location, etc.) on every platform possible. You can also join local lost pet Facebook groups or use apps like Petco Foundation’s Lost Dog app or websites such as Petfinder and Nextdoor to get the word out.

Technology and resources to the rescue

Thanks to modern technology, pet owners now have a range of tools to help find lost dogs more efficiently. This way you can get your lost dog back faster. Make sure to use lost pet websites. Websites like Petfinder and PawBoost offer lost pet sections where you can post and search for missing pets in your area. They also give you an option to make a poster, that you can spread around on different platforms.

Joining local lost dog Facebook groups or apps like Nextdoor can help spread the word quickly to your neighbors and surrounding community. There are a lot of different groups from the area, but also lost dog groups that are more wide spread. Some dogs love to wander further away. And keep an eye on shelter pages of the area! You never know if your dog gets picked up by animal control.

What can you do on National Lost Dog Awareness Day?

National Lost Dog Awareness Day is a perfect opportunity for all of us to learn more about the steps we can take to prevent pet loss. It also gives you the opportunity to educate people about what to do in case a dog goes missing. Use this day to learn about the best practices for keeping dogs safe and share that knowledge with your community.

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of volunteers or donations. Consider giving back by supporting organizations that work tirelessly to reunite lost pets with their families. It also raises more awareness of the amount of dogs that are lost. You can also raise awareness on social media. Share posts about National Lost Dog Awareness Day and the importance of keeping pets safe.

Keep our dogs safe

Losing a dog is a traumatic experience that no one should have to endure. That’s why we want everyone to be aware of the risks and how you can prevent the dog from escaping. If you feel like your dog is not listening to commands, please reach out to us. We’ve got multiple training options that can help you train the dog! This is your first step to safety.