Summer weather entices us to spend more time outdoors. With cities relaxing restrictions on access to parks and other public places, you may be thinking about a change of scenery after an extended home stay. A trail or beach walk with your dog allows you to social distance and enjoy the fresh air, and if your favorite dog park has reopened your dog can enjoy a game of catch with more space to run.
Your dog is likely excited to have fun, as you are, but it’s important to be safe, especially in the event your dog should wander off. Lost dogs are common in summertime due to loud noises - like fireworks - and distractions that lead away or scare off pets. Even if your dog spends much of their time indoors or within a fenced yard, escape is still a possibility. Pets can slip out of open doors and gates when you least expect.
Popular options for keeping track of companion animals include microchipping and GPS collars. Each have benefits for pets and owners:
Microchipping
-
Microchipping is permanent. The chip is inserted via a needle under your pet’s skin, so it can’t be separated.
-
Microchipping provides proof of ownership of a dog or cat should they become lost or taken.
-
If your pet is microchipped, it can expedite their return home if they are taken to a shelter.
GPS
-
Unlike microchips, GPS devices let you know where your pet is in real time.
-
GPS is easy to use and access. Popular models include a collar with the tracking device and a mobile app.
-
Depending on the model you use, you can create alerts to inform you if your pet wanders away.
According to the ASPCA, roughly 6.5 million dogs and cats enter shelters in the U.S. each year, with just over 700,000 of them returned to their owners. As the country continues post-pandemic opening phases, this may be a good time to consider tracking for your pets in the event they become lost. Using a GPS device and microchip together can help ensure the safety of your pet this summer and beyond.
Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping options; Care-A-Lot Pet Supply customer service can answer questions about the pet tracking systems available in our stores.