Pet Security

Preparation and thinking ahead can keep your pet safe at home or can help get them back home quickly if they do get lost. The steps outlined below are highly effective for keeping your pet safe. Many times, pets don’t roam far, and very simple measures can make all the difference, like being sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag, or just write your phone number on the collar with a marker!

The best way to prevent a lost pet is by ensuring that he cannot get out of his home or play space.

  • Inspect your house for places that your pet can escape.
  • If your pet tends to dart out the door, warn visitors to shut the door quickly. Train your pet to stop this dangerous behavior by rewarding them with something they love if they stand, sit, or lie in a certain spot away from the door. Make that the BEST spot for them to be, and remember that cats can be trained, too!
  • Install screens on windows, and ensure existing window screens are not easily popped out when leaned against.
  • In your yard, ensure your fence is adequate to keep your pet in. Sometimes fences need to be taller, items need to be moved away from the fence, or a barrier needs to be extended into the ground to prevent digging under.
  • Ensure that gates are not left open and cannot be easily opened by a passer-by.

If your pet does get out or away from you, an identification tag or collar can easily get them back home. Tags should have all of your current contact information, including more than one phone number, and your address, if possible. Tags need to be securely attached to the collar with a strong keychain ring or other attachment. Thin wire “o” rings are easily sprung. Including your address helps ANYONE who may find your pet get them back home, even if you can’t be reached by phone. In a pinch, write your phone number directly on your pets’ collar using a permanent marker. This simple step can save your pets’ life.

A license is the first thing our Animal Control Officers check when they pick up a stray pet, and if your dog (or cat) is wearing a license when found, they can usually just give your pet a ride home! Licensing is REQUIRED for dogs in Santa Cruz County, and optional for cats. Click here find out how to license your pet.

Sometimes tags and collars can get lost. A microchip is a permanent form of identification that is implanted under the skin of your pet.  Shelters and veterinary offices are able to read the microchip and get information about your pet.  Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter provides microchips to pets for $15 (includes registration). Once your pet has a microchip, it is imperative that you ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with the microchip company.

Pets that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam because their instinct to mate will be lessened. By spaying or neutering you can keep your happy, healthy pet at home.