| Veterinary Advice When you take on a dog or cat, the first thing you should do is register him with a Veterinary Surgeon who will give him an initial health check. Your Veterinary Surgeon will be able advise you about the vaccinations your pet needs to keep him safe and healthy and about a programme of parasite control. There are very effective and easy to administer treatments for fleas and worms but it is advisable to seek advice from your Veterinary Surgeon as to the best for your pet. If you are thinking about taking your pet abroad ask your Veterinary Surgeon about the current regulations regarding the blood tests and vaccinations necessary to obtain your pets passport. Your Veterinary Surgeon will also advise on the benefits of neutering, microchipping, and the various options available for Pet Insurance.
How To Keep Your Pet Safe When taking on a pet or moving house with an existing pet, ensure the area where the pet is to be kept is safe and secure. Are the fences in a good state of repair? - ensure the posts are well sunk into the ground and that they are of sufficient height or depth, in the case of some pets like rabbits. Remember to check gates - Are they high enough? Is the catch strong enough? To ensure safety you may wish to fit two different type of catches. On gates you could display a notice saying "PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE" Don't leave pets in the front garden or near to low fences, keep them out of sight and contained at the rear of the property - pet stealing is much more common then is generally realised. Dogs should always wear a collar with a disc giving your address or telephone number - failure to comply will lead to a hefty fine if the dog is picked up as a stray. Microchipping is an easy way to reunite you with your pet. Most rescue centres, Police stations and Vets have a scanner to enable them to read the chip number, thus identifying the pet and owner so they can be reunited. Ask at your Veterinary Surgeon for further details. Remember to keep a new cat or an existing cat in a new house inside for at least 6 weeks - this might seem a long time but it enables the cat to get use to the new surroundings and feel safe and secure there. Finally, have a good up to date photograph of your pet to use on a poster if lost, or as proof of ownership if found. How To Find Your Pet Dogs Only Notify the Police and the Dog Wardens in the area the dog went missing and those along the dogs favourite walk areas, Dog Wardens are employed by the District Council. Whilst you are speaking to the Councils also ask to speak to the Environmental Health Department, who can advise whether any dead animal has been collected. IT REALLY IS BETTER TO KNOW All Pets 1. Produce leaflets with a photograph describing the pet, when and where lost remembering to include a contact telephone number. Distribute these everywhere locally, vets, clubs, shops etc. 2. If you have lost your pet in the Leicestershire area contact Petfinder on 01455888297. 3. If your pet is microchipped inform the registration organisation. 4. Ask neighbours to check in sheds and garages in case the pet has been shut in. 5. Advertise in local newspapers and those that have circulation in the area where the pet was lost. 6. Put out food and water in your garden for your pet. If you follow this action plan you stand a good chance of being reunited with your pet, if this does not bring results immediately repeat the process over again. One thing you must never do is to give up on your pet as he will not give up on you. |
