Summer Pet Safety: Don't Let Your Furry Friends Go Missing This Season

Protecting Pets This Summer: Paws for Safety Awareness Campaign

As the summer season unfolds, pet owners are excited for outdoor adventures, celebrations, and family getaways. However, this time of year also comes with increased risks for lost pets. With data from 24PetWatch revealing a staggering 58% rise in lost pets on July 4th, it's imperative to stay vigilant and ensure our pets are protected. This is where the Paws for Safety Awareness campaign launched by PetPlace steps in to advocate for microchip registrations.

The Dangers of Summer for Pets

The allure of summer leads many families to spend more time outdoors; this unfortunately can put pets at risk of getting lost. Factors such as the fear-induced reactions to fireworks, natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, and opened doors during social gatherings contribute to this phenomenon. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime, translating to heartache for countless families across the nation.

Microchipping has emerged as a vital tool in reuniting lost pets with their families. Pets that are microchipped are shown to be three times more likely to find their way back home than those without. However, it is crucial that these microchips are registered; about 60% of microchips in the U.S. remain unregistered, resulting in over 29 million pets at risk of being classified as 'digital strays.'

A Call to Action: The Importance of Registration

Samantha Watson, president of PetPlace, emphasizes the importance of keeping microchip information current. She points out that without registration, pets with microchips are unable to be linked back to their families when found. Therefore, the Paws for Safety campaign encourages pet parents to ensure their microchips are registered on North America's largest free microchip registry.

In addition to registration, supporting legislation, like the New York State Assembly bill advocating for mandatory microchipping among animal shelters and dealers, can significantly improve the protection for pets. PetPlace has already made strides in this direction, reuniting over 758,000 pets with their families.

Essential Tips for Keeping Pets Safe This Summer

While microchipping plays a key role, there are additional measures that pet owners can take to safeguard their furry companions:

1. Provide Adequate Shelter and Hydration: Ensure pets have access to shade and fresh water during outdoor activities.
2. Choose Walk Times Wisely: Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating.
3. Paw Protection: Be mindful of hot pavements that can harm your pet's paws.
4. Prepare for Emergencies: Always have an emergency kit with supplies, including at least three days' worth of food.
5. Safe Chemical Storage: Lock away lawn chemicals and pesticides, preventing accidental ingestion.
6. Monitor for Heat Stroke: Be alert for symptoms such as excessive panting, dry gums, and fatigue, which can indicate heat stroke.

Watson reminds us, "Summer is a time for enjoyment and family, but we must remain aware of the potential dangers that come with warm weather activities. By facilitating microchip registration, providing a cool environment for our pets, and preparing for emergencies, we can ensure their safety and our peace of mind."

About PetPlace

PetPlace is dedicated to fostering pet well-being while simplifying the pet parenting journey. The organization encompasses a range of products and services to support animal welfare and is committed to creating a world where every pet thrives in a loving environment. Owned by Independence Pet Holdings, PetPlace operates with a mission to unify pet care services across the United States and Canada.