This content provided in partnership with Rover.
Our pets are a part of our families and communities, so it’s obvious that we want to keep them feeling as happy, healthy, and loved as possible.
We want them to eat the healthiest food, get the optimal amount of exercise, and have plenty of social and mental stimulation—and of course, we want to keep them by our sides.
There’s a lot you can do to make sure your dogs stay safe. In partnership with Rover, we’ve rounded up the essential tips for keeping your beloved pets safe. After we cover the basics, we’ll tell you about the one key thing many dog owners forget when it comes to pet safety.
Make sure your home and yard are secure.
Start here! Use baby gates to help create a barrier between the front door and your pet. If possible, create a secure dog zone where you can safely place your dog when you’re going out. Walk the fence of your property, if applicable, and keep an eye out for loose boards or areas where a pet could slip between slats or dig under the fence.
Get your pet microchipped.
One of the first safety tasks for a new pet owner is to commit to getting their pet microchipped. Microchips are very small – about the size of a grain of rice – and the insertion is only a small pinch for your pet. Even if your furry friend slips out of their collar and tags, any vet can scan the microchip and find your contact information, helping to return your pet home safely.
Always walk on a leash.
A standard collar is often the choice for new pet parents, but there are also prong collars, head collars, and harnesses. In addition, you can choose to have a standard nylon or leather leash, while many pet owners prefer a retractable leash to give their pet a little more range. If you end up visiting a public dog park, make sure to check the grounds for obvious areas where your dog could escape, and keep an eye on other dogs who might be playing with yours to make sure it stays friendly.
Hire a trusted pet sitter.
If you need a dog walker for when you’re stuck at work late, or a pet sitter for when you’re out of town, it’s important to find people you can trust with your pet’s happiness and well-being. Technology can help you find someone close and reliable – check out Rover, the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers, to find someone that works for you and your pet.
You might very well be aware of these tips, but there’s one thing that many dog owners overlook when it comes to pet safety: their neighbors.
On average, lost pets are recovered within a two-mile radius of their home, which means mobilizing your neighbors is key to return a missing pet. And that brings us to our final tip.
Stay connected to your community.
Whether you need advice on the best vet in town or to ask for the best areas to walk your dog, your neighborhood is a wealth of information. It can be an excellent way to meet other pet-lovers, too! Joining Nextdoor is one easy way to connect and communicate with the neighbors near you.
Join your neighborhood on Nextdoor here.
Do you have a story about how you’ve used Nextdoor in your neighborhood? Let us know.
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