The ultimate guide to pet safety

As pet parents, we want to give our furry friends a life full of adventure, comfort and — most importantly — safety. While we can’t predict every curveball life throws, we can take proactive steps to prevent our dogs and cats from getting lost, injured or exposed to avoidable risks. Whether you’re navigating the great outdoors with your pup or keeping your indoor cat entertained, here is a practical guide to safeguarding your pet’s health and happiness.

Secure identification & safe gear

The fastest way to reunite with a lost pet is through up-to-date identification. Always keep your contact information current on your pet's microchip registry and physical ID tags.

• For dogs: Ensure your dog wears visible identification tags whenever they are outside the home. Pair this with a secure, properly fitted harness (tight enough to allow 1-2 fingers between the harness and your dog) and a sturdy leash to prevent slipping out during walks.

• For cats: Even indoor cats need identification in case of an accidental escape. Microchips are essential but if your cat goes outside, invest in a properly fitted breakaway collar (designed to snap open if it gets caught on something) and an updated ID tag.

• Carriers and travel: Both dogs and cats should be safely restrained while traveling in a vehicle. Use crash-tested crates, carriers or pet seatbelts. Helping your cat become comfortable with their carrier at home by leaving it open with cozy blankets and treats can drastically reduce stress and the risk of escape during vet visits.

Pet-proofing your home & yard

A safe environment starts with checking your home and outdoor areas for potential escape routes or hazards.

• For dogs: Regularly inspect fences, gates and your yard for loose boards, dug holes or broken latches that could present an escape risk. When indoors, secure trash cans and keep all medications and household cleaning supplies out of reach.

• For cats: To keep indoor cats safely contained, routinely check that all windows, screens, balconies and doors are fully secured and free of tears. Like with dogs, keep trash cans, medication, household cleaners and other household items like plastic bags and string away from cats.

• Outdoor supervision: Always supervise your pets when they are enjoying the outdoors. Even in a fenced yard, predators, toxic plants or unexpected loud noises can pose a threat.

Training, enrichment & socialization

A bored or anxious pet is more likely to engage in risky behaviors like escaping or chewing dangerous items. Supporting regular exercise, enrichment and predictable routines is vital for their physical and mental well-being.

• For dogs: Provide daily exercise and mental stimulation through walks, puzzle toys and games. Teach basic safety commands: “drop it”, “leave it” and a strong "recall" (coming when called) can be life-saving if they slip a leash. Safely and gradually introduce your dog to new people, pets and environments to prevent fear-based flight responses.

• For cats: Provide plenty of indoor enrichment, including scratching surfaces, interactive toys and safe places to climb or hide (like cat trees or high shelving). This satisfies their natural instincts and keeps them content safely indoors.

Emergency Preparedness

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is pack a pet emergency kit. This kit should be packed before a disaster occurs and stored in an easy-to-grab location. Fetch Veterinary Advisory Board member and emergency veterinarian Dr. Noe Galvan recommends including the following items in your kit:

• Two weeks’ worth of food and water
• Food and water bowls
• All current medications (at least a 2-week supply)
• Copies of vaccine records, medical history, and microchip information
• Leash, harness, collar and ID tags
• A secure carrier or crate for transport
• Blankets, toys or items with familiar smells
• Calming aids like pheromone sprays or anti-nausea medication

What to Do If Your Pet Gets Lost

Even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If your pet goes missing, act immediately. Search your neighborhood, leave heavily scented items (like their bed or your worn shirt) outside your door and immediately report them missing to your microchip company, local shelters and animal control.

Fetch Pet Insurance lost pet coverage

Did you know that Fetch Pet offers lost pet coverage to help support you during a stressful time? Eligible expenses often include reimbursement for advertising your lost pet (like printing flyers) and offering a reward for their safe return. You can learn more about the specifics of your coverage, including coverage limits and eligible costs, by logging into your Fetch Pet member portal and reviewing your policy documents.

Fetch Deals

From training and walking essentials to GPS trackers and lost-pet support, Fetch Deals gives Members exclusive savings on products and services that can help pets stay safe, healthy and happy for years to come.

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