Summer is a fun time for families. Many people travel, go camping, spend time outdoors, and celebrate holidays with fireworks. But summer can also bring extra risks for pets. Here are a few simple ways to help keep your dogs and cats safe all season long.

A Microchip Could Help Bring Your Pet Home

No one wants to think about their pet getting lost. But accidents happen. A door gets left open, a leash slips, or a pet becomes scared and runs away.

That’s why microchipping is so important.

A microchip is a tiny device about the size of a grain of rice. It is placed under your pet’s skin using a needle, similar to a routine vaccine. The process only takes a few seconds and does not require anesthesia.

Each microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by veterinary clinics and animal shelters. If your lost pet is found and scanned, staff can access your contact information through the microchip registry and help reunite you with your pet.

Unlike collars and tags, microchips cannot fall off or be removed. They provide permanent identification that stays with your pet for life.

At Emancipet, microchipping costs just $20 and can be done as part of a Healthy Pet Services visit.

Don’t Forget to Update Your Information

A microchip only works if the contact information connected to it is up to date.

One of the most common reasons lost pets are not reunited with their families is because the phone number or other contact information on the microchip registration is no longer correct.

Be sure to update your information if you:

  • Move to a new home
  • Change your phone number
  • Get a new email address

Updating your information is usually as simple as contacting the microchip company and providing your new contact details.

It’s also important to know that microchips do not track your pet’s location. Microchip companies do not give out your personal information unless you tell them to. Instead, they contact you if someone reports finding your pet.

Even Indoor Pets Need Microchips

Many people think only outdoor pets need microchips. The truth is that indoor pets can get lost too.

An indoor pet may:

  • Slip out an open door (especially during parties!)
  • Escape during a move
  • Become separated during a storm or emergency

If your pet is not wearing a collar or loses one, a microchip may be the only way to connect them back to your family.

Fireworks Can Be Scary for Pets

Summer holidays often include fireworks, but loud noises can frighten pets.

Scared pets may try to hide, escape fences, or run away from home. In fact, many animal shelters see an increase in lost pets around holidays that include fireworks.

Before fireworks begin:

  • Make sure your pet’s microchip information is current.
  • Check that your pet is wearing an ID tag.
  • Keep pets indoors in a secure, quiet room.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Turn on a fan, TV, or calming music to help block outside noise.

Never bring pets to fireworks displays. Even well-behaved pets can become frightened by the loud sounds and crowds.

If your pet has severe anxiety related to noise such as fireworks or storms, bring it up at your next veterinary visit and they may be able to help by prescribing medications. Please note Emancipet does not provide this service at our clinics; a full service vet can be seen for anxiety related concerns.

Summer Travel and Camping Safety

Many families travel or go camping during the summer. New places can be exciting, but they can also expose pets to unfamiliar plants, wild animals, and other hazards.

Before you travel:

  • Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.
  • Check that your pet’s microchip registration is current.
  • Ensure your pet is wearing an ID tag.
  • Pack plenty of food and water.
  • Bring medications your pet may need such as flea/tick preventives and anxiety medications
  • Carry copies of your pet’s veterinary records.
  • Make sure you have a way to safely contain your pet in the car, such as a seatbelt harness or crate/carrier.

Being prepared can help keep your pet safe wherever your summer adventures take you.

We’re Here to Help

At Emancipet, we’re committed to making veterinary care affordable and accessible for every family.

We offer affordable vaccinations, as well as microchipping to help keep pets protected.

A little preparation can go a long way. By planning ahead for fireworks, and preparing for summer travel, you can help keep your pet safe, healthy, and close to home all season long.

Learn more about Emancipet’s services and find a clinic near you.

Appointments and online booking is available!