Nearly one-in-five pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises according to recent survey findings. Because having the right information at your fingertips is key when the unthinkable happens, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has developed its first-ever interactive smart phone app to help pet parents find their lost animals. Developed by the ASPCA and utilizing the latest field research, the free tool provides users with an individual search plan based on their pet’s behavior and individual circumstances so they can search quickly and effectively to recover their lost pet.
Related: Best Patriotic Dog Collars
“Whether your pet goes missing as a result of fireworks or a bad storm, the best, most proven tactics to recover that pet may not be as obvious as you might think,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of shelter research & development for the ASPCA. “When lost, a shy dog may behave very differently from a bolder, friendlier dog. And a gregarious cat may be found in a completely different location than an independent cat. Searching for your missing pet the right way is vital, and could make the difference between reuniting with your beloved pet and never seeing them again.”
In developing the app’s lost pets tool, the ASPCA consulted with Missing Pet Partnership, one of the nation’s foremost experts in reuniting lost pets with their guardians.
The app – available for download starting today – will provide pet owners with a personalized recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to best search for and recover a lost animal in a variety of circumstances. Users will also be able to easily build a digital lost pet flyer that can be shared instantly on social media networks. In addition, the app provides news, tips and advice on ensuring a pet’s safety before, during and after a storm or natural disaster. It also allows owners to store their pet’s vital medical records ̶ shaving off precious minutes during an emergency.
You may think that it could never happen to you but in fact, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed who lost pets (64 percent) said they had never anticipated losing a pet the way they did. For the nearly one-in-five lost pets (19 percent) who went missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks or other loud outside noises, 70 percent of their owners were completely caught off guard that their pet was lost in that way.
Losing a pet is not only heartbreaking for a family, but also very dangerous for the animal, especially if the dog or cat ends up roaming busy streets.
Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe At Home For the Fourth of July:
- Double check leashes and collars to make sure none are worn or broken
- Make sure your dog’s ID tag and/or microchip is up to date
- Be mindful when opening outside doors
- Give your dogs access to safe, quiet places during those very colorful, loud fireworks
Make sure guests are aware you have a dog and to not let them out the door
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
Toledo, United States.
