Lost Pet Prevention and Recovery: A Canadian Pet Owner's Guide

Prevention Is the Best Strategy

Most lost pet situations are preventable with the right precautions:

At Home

• Ensure fences and gates are secure

• Check doors and windows for escape routes

• Use baby gates during parties or construction

• Keep garage doors monitored

During Walks

• Use a properly fitted harness (harder to slip than a collar alone)

• Check leash clips and clasps regularly

• Be extra cautious near busy roads and open areas

• Consider a hands-free leash for active dogs

During Travel

• Use a secure carrier or crate

• Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle

• Keep ID on your pet even in the car

Layered Identification

The best protection combines multiple forms of ID:

1. **Collar with visible ID tag** — name and phone number

1. **Microchip** — permanent internal ID scannable at vet clinics

1. **QR tag** — instant, scannable profile accessible by anyone with a phone

Each layer covers a different scenario. Together, they maximize your chances of a fast reunion.

What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing

Immediately

• Search your immediate area thoroughly

• Ask neighbours to check yards, garages, and sheds

• Activate Lost Pet Mode on Idenpet

• Post on local lost pet social media groups with a clear photo

Within 24 Hours

• Contact local animal shelters and vet clinics

• Report to your municipal animal services

• Put up posters in the area with a photo and your phone number

• Contact your microchip registry

Keep Going

• Check shelters in person every 2–3 days

• Expand your social media posts

• Consider hiring a pet tracker if available in your area

How Idenpet Helps

Idenpet's QR-based system means anyone who encounters your pet can instantly access your contact information. Lost Pet Mode adds a prominent visual alert to the profile, making it unmistakably clear that the pet needs help getting home.

Combined with a physical QR tag, your pet carries their entire safety net on their collar.