Loosing a Pet Can Be as Scary as Fireworks!

Every year, thousands of pets go missing around the Fourth of July—and the leading culprit? Fireworks. The sudden bursts of noise and light can terrify even the most well-adjusted dogs and cats, causing them to bolt through open doors, slip out of collars, or dig under fences in sheer panic.   That’s why National Pet Loss Prevention Month—recognized every July—is so important. It’s a time to remind all pet parents to take a few simple but crucial steps to help ensure a lost pet can be quickly identified and returned home.

ID is Everything: Microchips, Tags, and Licenses
One of the most effective ways to help a lost pet get back home is to make sure they can be easily identified. That means:

• Microchipping your pet and keeping your contact information up to date.
• Tags on collars that include your current phone number.
• Licensing your pet with Montgomery County. Many folks don’t know this, but it is legally required for you to license your pet with animal services.  Licensed pets are entered into the county database and if they are picked up by Montgomery County Animal Services (MCASAC) they can be identified and reunited with you much faster. You can learn more and register online here:
• Montgomery County Pet Licensing

If Your Pet Goes Missing: What To Do Immediately
Despite best efforts, pets can and do get lost.  At Run and Play Petcare, it’s our worst nightmare—but in 11 years of professional dog walking, we’ve only had one incident where a dog got loose. It was a fitful moment for the walker, but thanks to a swift call to the owner, we found him moments later at a neighbors house.

If your pet goes missing, here are the steps we recommend:

1. Walk or drive the immediate area thoroughly and call their name calmly. Best to bring a crinkly bag with some yummy treats or food.  Leave the windows to your home open and have your windows down if driving so your scent carries and it’s a good idea to leave an item of clothing of yours at the last place your dog was seen. If spotted while walking, and within a few yards, its best to lower your posture or sit and use your bag to crinkle and pretend your eating the food.  If that doesn’t work, try turning and running to encourage your dog to chase you – never run after it.  If driving, open your car door and chances are he/she will come running and hop in.  You may also try grilling outside  to attrach tasty smells your dog will seek out.
2. Post immediately to your neighborhood listservs and on Nextdoor, both are highly effective for mobilizing local eyes.  As are flyers!   Put up 50-100 flyers within the first 24 hours for maximum .
3. Contact Montgomery County Animal Services and check their Lost & Found page regularly:
   MCASAC Lost & Found Pets.
4. Notify local vets and emergency animal hospitals—someone may bring your pet in for a microchip scan or treatment and they’ll be at the ready to call you.
5. Post in local lost pet Facebook groups where community members often share sightings and updates and check them regularly:
   • Pet Lost and Found Montgomery County MD
   • Maryland Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets – Paw Boost Community
   • Lost and Found Pets of Maryland/DC/Virginia
   • Pets Lost and Found In Maryland
   • Takoma Park 

💡 Call to Action:    Before the fireworks start, take five minutes today to check your pet’s tags, collar, chip, and license. It’s a small task that can make all the difference in reuniting you with your beloved pet if they ever go missing.

Know that at Run and Play Petcare,  your pet’s safety is always our top priority—on holidays and every day.