It happens to the best pet owners. Try as we might, Fido digs out under the gate or Mr. Whiskers darts out while the door’s open.
Lately, Seven Lakes has seen an influx of lost and found pets. Most of these pets are dogs on the loose, usually due to an owner letting the dog out without a fence, leash, or other method of restraint in place.
While the owner may be confident the dog will “return home,” this may not be in the best interest of the pet’s safety and well being – much less being considerate of the pets, children, and property of neighbors.
“If you lose a pet, get the word out as soon as possible,” advised Ms. Jodie from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services. “Contact local newspapers, post online, and call animal control. Always check all available resources.”
In the unfortunate event that your pet does get lost, it is vital to spread the word that you are missing your four legged family member. Posting in classifieds and on local Facebook pages, including the Seven Lakes Families pages, is an effective way to quickly spread the word.
Having a pet on the loose may be stressful, but thankfully there are a few steps that caring pet owners can take to bring their pets back home safely.
The first step is prevention. Dogs and outdoor cats should be properly fitted with collars, identification tags, and any necessary rabies and vaccination tags for easy identification by neighbors and animal control services. Make sure the collars are properly fitted to avoid your canine companion from slipping out during walks.
Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the best prevention methods of all. Having your pet fixed, especially in the spring and early summer months, will help deter pets from wandering based on the seasons.
Additionally, take preventative measures to pet-proof your house to avoid dealing with an escaped pet. Install window screens to prevent cats from climbing out and check fences for weak spots and gaps where dogs may squeeze through. Consider having your pet microchipped in case they happen to escape without a collar or tags.
Dog owners are encouraged to keep in mind that Moore County does have leashing laws. Those who do not wish to take the time to leash up their pup for a walk don’t need to fret; invisible fences and outdoor dog enclosures provide an easy alternative to fencing in one’s yard or taking the dog for a walk.
“If you find a lost pet, take the appropriate actions to find the owner,” encouraged Jodie. “Take the pet to the vet to see if it is microchipped. You can always check with animal services to see if it has been reported missing or look through local ‘missing pet ads’ for a description or picture that matches.”
For more information or to report a lost or found pet, contact Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at (910) 947-2858.
