For many pet parents, summertime means getting together with friends and family, soaking in the sun with outdoor activities, cooling off in nearby lakes and ponds, grabbing an ice cream and backyard barbecuing. While the warm weather and sunshine can lead to fun times and lots of memories for you and your pet, it’s important to understand and be prepared for some of the most common seasonal safety risks.
Your Pet Needs an Accurate ID 
We won’t bury the lede, our #1 safety tip for pet parents this summer is to update your pet’s ID tag and microchip with accurate identifiable information.
“As we all spend more time outdoors in the beautiful summer weather, many pet parents forget that this is the key season for pets to roam about, run off, get lost or go missing. Something as simple as making sure your pet’s identification tag is up to date and your contact info associated with their microchip is accurate can be tremendously important. It can make the crucial difference between lost and found! In the warmer months, we frequently have lost pets brought to us at our practice. We have been able to reunite quite a few wayward pets with their families over the years, simply because their owner’s contact info was traceable through their pets’ microchips.” – Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, B.Sc., D.V.M, veterinary expert and Rover Pet People Panelist
Over a quarter (26%) of pet parents have moved to a new address or changed their phone number in the last year, according to a recent Rover survey of 1,000 U.S. pet parents*. Between the shuffle of moving boxes and updating address books, it’s understandable that updating pet ID tags or microchips might not be at the top of the to-do list. In fact, one third (33%) of pet parents say they never got around to it. In other words, one third of pets who have recently moved don’t have tags that accurately represent where they live and/or how to get a hold of their pet parent in the event they are separated this summer.
The majority (60%) of pet parents agree that accurate identifiable information is extremely important for their pet’s safety. Despite this, 30% of pet parents admit it’s been six months or more since they last checked the accuracy and readability of the ID tag on their collar, while 17% say they haven’t checked the status of their pet’s microchip since setting it up.
Fireworks and Flight Risks 
Fireworks and Flight Risks 
The more time you and your pet spend outdoors together, the more opportunities there are for you to potentially become separated from each other. Regardless of how your pet typically behaves, seasonal events–like fireworks or large gatherings of people–may trigger your pet to be anxious or afraid.
For many pet parents, fireworks are one of their top safety concerns during the summer months. According to Rover’s survey, pet parents say fireworks commonly trigger fear and anxiety in both dogs (74%) and cats (73%).
In fact, according to a previous study** firework anxiety in dogs topped the list over:
When it comes to fireworks and other anxiety inducing events, preparation and prevention are key. Nearly half of pet parents surveyed (42%) say their dog has tried to run away during fireworks in the past. And, of them, a third (34%) say their pet’s escape was successful. Escape attempts are even higher for cats (64%), with a slightly lower success rate (31%).
Coping with Firework Anxiety 
Those with firework fearing pets have tried lots of remedies. When it comes to preventing firework related anxiety, pet parents most commonly report (44%) attempting to block out the noise – including closing windows and exterior doors and turning on the TV. Other popular methods include providing a cozy spot for their pet, like a crate (42%), offering a distraction with toys or treats (32%), and implementing calming products such as a pressure vest (20%).
Pet parents truly understand the impact fireworks have on their pet. So much so, a third of pet parents (34%) say they actually plan firework related celebrations around their pet’s needs, while a quarter (26%) go so far as to skip firework related celebrations altogether in favor of staying home to comfort their pet.
To reduce firework related fear and anxiety in dogs, certified professional trainer, Nicole Ellis (CPDT-KA), of Rover’s Pet People Panel recommends trying sound desensitization–a training program that teaches your dog: scary sounds can be predictable and fun.
“Sound desensitization can help dogs prepare for the 4th of July, but it requires time and consistency. Gradual and slow exposure to the sounds of fireworks – or other loud, similar sounding noises – can help pets feel less anxious. Pet parents should also consider having products like a ThunderShirt or noise-canceling headphones, like Doggie Hush, to help ease their pet’s anxiety.” – Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Rover Pet People Panelist
Ellis advises pet parents to play firework sounds while doing mundane things or while your dog works on a puzzle toy or tough chew. If your pet hides, tucks their tail, or starts pacing when you’re playing the sounds, turn the volume down — and make time for daily sound training.
Whether you’ve recently moved or switched phone numbers, have an anxious pet, or none of the above, keep your pet safe this summer by checking their ID tag or microchip for accurate and up-to-date information. Making sure your pet’s identifiable information is easily accessible and up-to-date is the easiest way to ensure the quick and safe return of your beloved pet.
To help ensure pets are equipped with an up-to-date ID this summer, Rover will cover the cost of a new pet ID tag with $35 off of any Rover service***. Use the code TAGURIT35 to redeem. For more summer themed pet safety tips–including hot weather, water safety, and more–check out Rover’s Summer Safety Guide for Pet Parents.
