Our pets are like a part of the family, and protecting them from harm is paramount. During the month of October, pet lovers all across the nation can observe National Animal Safety and Protection Month. To learn more about this month, as well as some ways that you can keep your pet safe, keep reading below.

History & Purpose of National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month was established to promote the value of animals in our society. Pet owners and non-owners can bring awareness to animal needs and elevate the dignity of our non-human companions.

Top 10 Ways You Can Keep Your Pet Safe

To spread awareness during National Animal Safety and Protection Month, here are 10 animal safety tips you can share with fellow pet owners.

1. Use Decals to Indicate That You Own Pets

Any household with a pet should consider using decals to make it evident. In a natural disaster or another emergency, first responders will notice the decal and know that a pet needs to be saved. In unexpected catastrophes, the decal could save your pet’s life.

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2. Pet-Proof Your Home

Pets can be curious creatures. As endearing as this quality can be, it can also get them in a lot of trouble. If your pet rummages through the garbage or gets into something they shouldn’t, they risk ingesting something toxic or choking.

Therefore, pet-proofing your home is one of the greatest ways to keep your pet safe. Keep the trash in cans with lids, and store cleaning chemicals or other toxic household items in a secure, unreachable location.

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3. Take Advantage of Technology

When it comes to caring for our pets, technology can be a great tool. Cameras and pet monitors allow you to check on your pet no matter where you are, and GPS collars and alarm systems can notify you if your pet escapes the home.

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4. Provide Entertainment

If your pet is not provided with entertainment, they may find ways of entertaining themselves. This can lead to destructive behaviors and mischief, which may put your pet at risk. Your pet may chew on inedible objects, dig through things they shouldn’t, or even try to escape the home.

To deter this behavior, provide your pet with plenty of entertainment options. Toys, treat dispensers, and puzzle games can entertain them while you are away. The more mentally enriched your pet is, the less likely they will act out from boredom.

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5. Keep Windows Closed

Keeping the windows closed is vital when you have pets. Curious cats or exuberant dogs can leap out of an open window, which can be extremely dangerous if the open window is higher than the ground level.

If you want to keep windows open for ventilation, secure them so they can only be opened an inch or so. Ensure you have screens over your open windows, or stinging or biting bugs can enter the home.

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6. Hire Pet Sitters

Whenever you plan to be away from your pet for a prolonged period, hire a pet sitter. No matter how independent you think your pet is, they require a check-in at least once every 24 hours. In an ideal scenario, your pet sitter can stick to your pet’s routine, which will help them feel secure even when you are away from home.

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7.  Tag Your Pets

Microchipping your pet and providing them with a collar and tags will give you the best opportunity to reunite with them if you are ever separated.

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8. Learn First Aid

In an emergency or accident, providing first aid to your pet may save their life.

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9. Have an Evacuation Plan

No one ever wants to evacuate their home, but there are circumstances where it is inevitable. In those instances, it is important that you have an evacuation plan not just for your family but for your pet as well. How do you plan to leave the home and find safety? And how does your pet factor into that? To prepare, you should consider travel cages, food, water bowls, and training your pet for emergencies and natural disasters.

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10. Keep Your Pet Updated on Vaccines

One of the easiest ways to secure your pet’s safety is to keep them updated on their vaccines. Illnesses can be debilitating and even fatal, so preventative treatment could save your pet’s life.

Final Thoughts

During National Animal Safety and Protection Month, review how you currently ensure your pet’s safety and consider how you could improve. Our pets are an important part of our lives; losing them due to a lack of safety would be heartbreaking. Therefore, while October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month, every day of the year is an opportunity to grow as a pet owner.

• See Also: National Pet Travel Safety Day: What Is It & How to Celebrate

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Featured Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock