Miami-Dade Animal Services encourage pet safety and loss pet prevention

MIAMI-DADE- With the rise in outdoor activities and celebrations during the summer months, the risk of pets getting lost increases significantly. In recognition of National Lost Pet Prevention Month, Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) is encouraging all pet owners to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of their beloved pets.

“Pets are cherished members of our families and taking steps to prevent them from getting lost is crucial,” said Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services. “With our shelter already over capacity, we want to avoid owned pets entering the shelter system whenever possible. By being proactive, pet owners can protect their pets by microchipping and making sure your pet is wearing its collar with tag at all times.”

The Animal Services is offering the following tips for preventing lost pets: 
•    Ensure Proper Identification: Always have your pet wear a well-fitted collar with up-to-date identification tags that include your current contact information.
•    Microchip Your Pet: Microchipping is a reliable method of permanent identification. Make sure to register your contact information with the microchip company and update it if you move or change phone numbers.
•    Secure Your Property: Regularly check fences and gates to ensure they are secure and that there are no escape routes. Always supervise pets when they are outdoors.
•    Keep Pets Indoors during Fireworks and Storms: Loud noises can frighten pets and cause them to run away. Create a safe, quiet space indoors where your pet can feel secure during parties, family gatherings, fireworks, thunderstorms, and other loud events.
•    Leash and Supervise: Always keep your pet on a leash during walks and never leave them unattended in public places.

In the likely event that your pet goes missing these are the steps to take:
•    Act Quickly: Search your neighborhood and alert your neighbors immediately. Pets often stay close to home.
•    Create Lost Pet Flyers: Include a clear photo and your contact information. Post the flyers in your neighborhood and share them on social media.
•    Notify Local Animal Services: Contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services and other local shelters to report your lost pet and fill out the lost pet report online. Provide them with a detailed description and a photo.
•    Use Online Resources: Post on sites like Petco Love Lost and 24PetConnect, Pawboost, Nextdoor, Neighbors and others to help broaden your search.
If you find a lost pet, take them to a local veterinary office to check for a microchip and contact the owner. If the pet doesn’t have a microchip, assume they are lost rather than an abandoned stray and follow similar steps to locate their owner.

By following these preventive measures and knowing what to do if a pet goes missing, Miami-Dade County residents can help keep their pets safe and ensure they are quickly reunited if they become lost.

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For more information on pet safety and lost pet prevention, visit miamidade.gov/animals or call 311.

Every year Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) takes in approximately 30,000 to 36,000 lost, abandoned, injured, ill, or abused dogs and cats. Every day, Animal Services staff works diligently to find life-long homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting offsite adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working collaboratively with rescue organizations, volunteers, and adoption partners.