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There are several steps you can take to keep your pet safe and reduce the likelihood that they'll become lost or stolen.
- Have your pet microchipped. Microchips are an implanted form of identification equipped to access your contact information when scanned at an animal shelter or vet clinic. Remember to update your info with your microchip company and the shelter you adopted your pet from when you move. ARL offers walk-in microchipping several days a week. https://www.arl-iowa.org/pet-help/microchip clinics/
- Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag. Studies show that pets with collars are more likely to be assisted by the public. If you need a collar or tag for your pet, ARL sells engraved ID tags and collars in their Animal House store or you can pick them up at pet stores or online. Be sure to include a current phone number on the tag. Probably the best gift you could give your pet for the holidays!
- Spay/neuter your pet. It's not just about population. Studies have shown that spayed or neutered animals are less likely to roam.
- Keep your pets indoors, and supervise outside time. Dogs should never be outdoors unsupervised, even in a fenced yard. They can quickly dig under or climb/jump over fencing. Always leash your animals when outside, and keep them close to home and away from traffic, unfamiliar animals and those who may not concern themselves with your pet's best interests.
- Keep them safe when you're out and about. If your car windows are down for your dog during the drive, make sure they are closed enough so the dog cannot jump out.
- Keep updated photos of your dog. Be sure to get close-ups as well as full-body photos in case you ever need to post "lost pet" fliers.
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