Simple steps to help prevent a lost pet
Losing a pet can be incredibly upsetting. A lost pet is stressful for both pets and their owners. Pets can get lost by slipping out an open door. They can also escape from the garden. They may also get lost in a new area.
The good news is that there are many practical steps you can take. These steps can help keep your pet safe. They can also reduce the chance that your pet goes missing. This National Lost Pet Prevention Month, we’re sharing some simple pet safety tips that could make all the difference.
Why should we prevent pets from getting lost?
According to Petlog, thousands of pets are reported missing across the UK each year, with more than 25,000 pets reported missing between January 2023 and June 2024.
While many owners eventually reunite with their lost pets, taking simple preventative steps can help reduce the risk of your pet going missing in the first place.
Taking a few simple precautions, especially around summertime, can keep your pet safe and improve the chances of a quick reunion should they ever go missing.
Did you know that dogs are 30% more likely to go missing in summer*?
Top pet safety tips to help prevent a lost pet
1. Keep your pet’s microchip details up to date
One of the most important things you can do is to microchip your pet, which is now a legal requirement for both dogs and cats.
Pet microchipping is a safe and permanent form of identification. If your pet is found and taken to a vet or rescue centre, they can be scanned. Their registered owner can then be contacted.
Many pet owners don’t realise that simply having a microchip isn’t enough. It’s the owner’s responsibility to ensure the contact details linked to their pet’s microchip remain up to date. If your details are incorrect, it can make it much harder for your pet to be reunited with you if they go missing.
71% of pets reported missing in 2025 were later marked as reunited with their owners**
If you have recently moved house, changed your mobile number, or updated your email address, update your microchip database details.
You should also check your pet’s microchip details if you have changed emergency contacts, transferred ownership of a pet, or recently adopted an animal whose details may not yet have been updated.
Spend a few minutes checking your information, and you could save valuable time if your pet ever becomes lost.
2. Make sure your pet has visible identification
While microchips are essential, visible identification can also help someone quickly return your pet if they are found nearby.
The law requires dogs to wear a collar with an identification tag when they are in public. The tag should include your surname and address. Many owners also choose to add a contact phone number.
3. Check your home and garden for escape routes
Many lost pets don’t travel far initially. Instead, they may simply find a way out through a gap in a fence, an open gate, or an unsecured window or door.
Take time to regularly inspect your garden boundaries and ensure gates close securely. If you have a particularly adventurous pet, consider whether you need additional measures to prevent escapes.
For more ideas on creating a secure outdoor space for your pet, look at our guide to pet-friendly gardens.
4. Prioritise training and recall
For dogs, reliable recall training is an important safety skill.
Regular training sessions using positive reinforcement can help strengthen your dog’s response when called. Practising in different environments and gradually increasing distractions can also help improve reliability.
If your dog’s recall is still a work in progress, consider keeping them on a lead or long line in unfamiliar areas.
5. Take extra care in unfamiliar places
Summer often means holidays, day trips and outdoor adventures with our pets.
While exploring new places can feel exciting, unfamiliar environments can make it more likely that pets get lost. New sights, sounds and smells can cause some pets to become distracted or frightened.
When visiting a new place, make sure your pet wears proper ID. Use a secure harness or lead when needed.
6. Keep recent photographs of your pet
Most of us have lots of pet photos, but it helps to keep a few clear, current ones.
These should show their look from different angles.
If your pet goes missing, these photos can be used on posters, social media and pet alerts. They help others identify your pet more easily.
What should you do if your pet goes missing?
Despite our best efforts, pets can sometimes go missing. Acting quickly can increase the chances of you reuniting.
If your pet goes missing:
- Thoroughly search your home, garden and local area.
- Check favourite hiding spots and places your pet regularly visits.
- Ask neighbours to check sheds, garages and outbuildings.
- Report your pet as missing to their microchip database.
- Contact local veterinary practices and rescue organisations.
- Share information and clear photographs on local community groups and social media.
- Create posters with recent photographs and your contact details.
If you’ve recently moved house, also check near your old address. Some pets may try to return there.
For detailed guidance on what to do if your pet goes missing, visit our missing pets advice page.
A few simple steps can make a significant difference
While you can’t remove every risk, you can take steps to keep your pet safe. This can lower the chance of your pet getting lost.
National Lost Pet Prevention Month is a great reminder to check your pet’s microchip details. Even if your pet was microchipped years ago, it’s worth taking a few minutes to confirm your contact information is still correct. Review their ID tags, too. Take a few moments to assess their everyday safety.
By acting now, you give yourself the best chance of a happy reunion if your pet ever wanders off.
If you would like to identify which database your pet’s microchip is registered with and ensure their contact details are up to date, head over to identibase’s Chip Checker.
*Based on pets being marked as missing across identi Group databases between Feb 2016 - Feb 2026. Comparison between the middle of winter vs the middle of summer.
**Based on the percentage of pets marked as reunited relative to those marked as lost in 2025.