10 million pets go missing every year in the U.S., yet only 20-30% are microchipped1 — and more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. With July being Lost Pet Prevention Month, now is the perfect time to make sure you're prepared.
Here's what every pet parent should know to give their pet the best chance of coming back.
Step 1: Get Your Pet Microchipped (and Actually Register It)
Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to recover a lost pet. Microchipped dogs are reunited with their families more than twice as often as dogs without a chip (52.2% vs. 21.9%). For cats, the chances of being reunited with their families are even greater if they're microchipped (38.5% vs. 1.8%).2
If your pet doesn't have a chip yet, make it your next vet appointment. The procedure is quick and essentially painless, and vets typically charge between $38 and $87 to microchip dogs and cats.3
But the part most pet owners miss? Actually registering the microchip. Less than 60% of microchips are ever registered.4 So, make sure yours is registered as soon as your pet is chipped!
A quick tip: A chip is only useful if it's linked to your contact information in a database. You can register your pet's chip with any database, not just the one that provided it. Some registries charge a one-time fee of approximately $20 (and sometimes an annual fee, too). Findpet is a great, free option to add to your list of providers to register with. The more places your pet is registered, the better your chances of getting reunited.
Step 2: If They Go Missing, Report It Immediately
Time matters when a pet goes missing. Use a lost and found pet database right away to report your pet missing and search for found pets in your area. Most databases, like Findpet, also automatically search for lost and found pets, which can give you some peace of mind during a stressful time.
At the same time, spread the word as much as you can:
Post on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups
Put up physical flyers at your nearest shelter and high-traffic spots in your neighborhood
The more eyes looking, the better.
Tip: Create a Lost Pet Report on Findpet, then use the built-in sharing tools to repost it to Facebook and Nextdoor. That way, you save time posting in multiple places manually, and your information stays centralized and easy to update.
Step 3: Check Your Pet Insurance Policy
It might not be top of mind to check your pet insurance policy when your pet is missing, but here's something many pet parents don't realize: some pet insurance plans cover lost pet advertising and reward costs.
That means you could be reimbursed for flyers, online ads, and even the reward money you offer. It's worth reviewing your current policy (or at least factoring this in when comparing pet insurance plans).
Does pet insurance cover microchipping?
Typically, no. Accident and illness coverage is intended to cover unexpected costs. Since microchipping is considered a planned or preventative service, it’s not covered under accident and illness plans. But some pet insurance companies offer optional wellness and preventative care coverage as an add-on with tiers that reimburse the cost of microchipping.
Quick Checklist Before July 4th
The best time to prepare for a lost pet is before it ever happens. Before one of the most stressful holidays of the year for pets comes around, make sure to:
Microchip your pet if they’re not already
Register your pet’s microchip in as many databases as possible
Update your contact info in your pet's microchip registry
Make sure your pet's collar and ID tags are current
Have a recent photo of your pet saved
Know which lost pet databases and local Facebook groups you'd post to
Double-check that your yard and home are secured (fencing, gates, etc.)
Looking for pet insurance that covers the unexpected? Compare plans and prices to find the right fit for you and your pet.
Source: Findpet.com
Source: Findpet.com
Source: Carecredit.com
Source: Findpet.com
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