July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month, and it’s the perfect time to take a few simple but powerful steps to ensure your pet stays safe, secure, and by your side.

Each year, millions of pets go missing, often due to preventable accidents. With summer bringing more visitors, road trips, and time outdoors, now is the time to check your surroundings and build habits that keep your pet safe. Here are some easy ways to protect your furry family members this season:

🔍 1. Do a Home Safety Check

Start by taking a close look around your home and yard.

• Inspect window screens for looseness or tears, especially if your pet likes to lounge near open windows.
• Walk the perimeter of your fence and patch any holes or weak spots. Even small gaps can be tempting for curious pets!
• Check doors and gates to make sure they latch securely and can’t be nudged open.

If your pet does get lost, identification is their best chance at getting home quickly.

• Make sure your pet wears a collar with a visible ID tag that includes your current phone number.
• If they’re microchipped, log in to your microchip registry and double-check that your contact information is up to date.

🚪 3. Remind House Guests

More summer visitors mean more opportunities for a door or gate to be left open.
Before gatherings or visits, politely remind guests:

“Just a heads-up—[Pet’s Name] is around, so please be mindful when coming in or out!”

A simple reminder goes a long way toward preventing an accidental escape.

🚗 4. Travel Safel

Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a summer road trip, always secure your pet during car rides.

• Use a pet seat belt, crash-tested crate, or secure carrier to keep them safe (and prevent surprise escapes when you open the car door).
• Never leave them unattended in the car, especially in warm weather.

📸 5. Register on Petco Love Lost

If your pet ever does go missing, having them pre-registered on PetcoLoveLost.org can make all the difference.
This free, AI-powered tool helps reunite lost pets with their families through facial recognition technology.
📍 Upload a photo now, just in case—so you can relax all summer knowing you’re prepared.

💛 Peace of Mind is Just a Few Steps Away

Preventing a lost pet starts with awareness, a little preparation, and sharing these tips with others. Take a few minutes this month to make sure your pet is protected—because the best place for them is right by your side.