Starting in 2014, July has been recognized as Lost Pet Prevention Month because it is one of the months when pets are most likely to get lost- in fact there is a 50% increase in lost pets in the summer compared to winter. Firework celebrations on the 4th of July and summer travel are big contributors to pets getting lost in July.
In the United States, 80 million homes have companion animals. Some organizations claim that less than 20% of lost dogs find their way home. Let's share some tips to keep our friends from getting lost this summer!
- If you're heading outside with your pet, make sure that they are in a fenced in area or on a leash.
- Take extra precautions when traveling with pets as they may get disoriented with new surroundings.
- Be careful when leaving doors or windows open to take advantage of the nice weather- make sure those screens are secured!
- Leave thorough instructions for pet sitters and make sure they know if your pet is a flight risk when coming and going from the house.
- Use positive reinforcement if your pet obeys commands or if they get out and return home quickly. Try to avoid reprimanding them.
- Whether you have a pet or not, avoid setting off noisy fireworks that may frighten your or your neighbors' pets. And, if there are fireworks in your neighborhood, there are ways that you can comfort your pet: keep them company or spend time in an inner room where it is quieter.
What other ways can we keep our companion animals safe this summer?
References:
National Lost Pet Prevention Month 2025: The Complete Guide | PetRadar | PetRadar
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Kaitlyn Davis
Research Associate
UTK Program for Pet Health Equity
TN
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