One of our busiest roles here at the RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks branch is trying to reunite lost and found pets with their family.

 

Here are some tips to help prevent your pet from getting lost and to help you recover them when they do go missing.

 

• Microchip your pet. It is now Law that both cats and dogs should be microchipped. Dogs MUST be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks and for cats it is 20 weeks. A microchip is a small device which is inserted under the animals skin. It is programmed to contain your name, address and contact numbers. When your animal is lost the chip can be scanned to retrieve the data. Make sure you update the data if you move house!

• Collars and ID Tags. Legally, all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag when out in public. This must contain their owner's name, address and postcode. If your cat must wear a collar, please do not use elasticated collars as they can stretch and cause horrific injuries - quick release collars are best.

• Keep up to date photo's. Having a good photo available provides you with a good start to searching for your lost animal. The photo can be uploaded to the many lost and found web sites. You can also use it to share on social media applications and to create posters to display locally.

• Keep them safe, we recommend that on Bonfire Night, Diwali  and New Years Eve you keep your animals indoors if possible.

• Check their housing regularly. If you have rabbits or small animals in outdoor housing try to ensure you do regular checks on their housing to prevent unwanted escape. It is also useful to secure the garden if possible.

 

Found a stray?

Please follow the steps found HERE first to try and locate the owner.