Blog: Why pets are more likely to go missing over the summer months

It’s summertime, and whether you’re planning a staycation or you’re jetting off to somewhere new, it’s becoming more common to include your furry family member in the fun. However, during the summer season travel and the changes, it’s a prime time when pets are more likely to go missing. There are a few reasons behind this seasonal trend:

Unfamiliar surroundings:

New locations can be disorienting for pets. Some dogs may not have experienced environments such as beaches, mountains, restaurants, bars, or vacation rental properties. They may feel unsettled and are then likely to wander off unnoticed, or they can potentially get lost in unfamiliar environments.

An increase in travel:

With more families travelling with their pets, it means they’re more frequently in not only cars but also trains, buses, and airplanes. They hold the potential for your pet to slip away unnoticed. If you’re taking your pet abroad, don’t forget to meet all the necessary legal requirements for pet travel.

Open doors can mean outdoor freedom:

With more time spent outdoors, or at campsites, or vacation home rentals, there’s a greater chance for pets to escape through open doors or even open windows. Sometimes, when in holiday mode, we can forget to shut the doors, and it can prove too tempting for pets.

Busy public areas:

Outdoor areas such as parks, beaches, and hiking trails may become more crowded during summer months. So, consider scenarios that your pet will be exposed to:

• How is your pet with crowds?
• How are they on long car trips?
• Do they become overwhelmed by new experiences?
• How likely are they to come across other dogs and, if so, how comfortable are they around them?

With all of this in mind, why not get peace of mind with a GPS and activity monitor before you head off! You can set virtual borders via the Geofence feature.

Changes in routines:

The summer holidays can be a great opportunity for you/your family and your pet to spend some quality time together. You’ll want them to be happy and relaxed wherever your adventures take you! However, going on holiday can mean some changes to your dog’s routine, so ensure that you take some time to help them settle in and feel safe.

Where possible, try to maintain consistency in their daily routine, such as feeding times, walks, and bedtime routines. Familiar habits provide some comfort and stability for your pet. A change of routine can be disruptive for pets and cause stress or confusion, increasing the risk of your pet bolting off.

A Guide To Dog Friendly Holidays | Dogs Trust

Safely exploring the great outdoors with your dog:

With more freedom to roam and explore, there are plenty of opportunities for your dog to run off-leash and explore new environments. The warmer weather tends to bring out a dog’s natural curiosity and instinctive nature, making them more active and instinctive than usual. This means they’re likely to get distracted by scents and surrounding wildlife such as birds, squirrels, or even other dogs!

Following natural instincts:

In particular, male dogs will follow their nose and it could cause them to wander. This can pose a flight risk to you, as there’s potential for them to bolt off unexpectedly. Even the most well-behaved dogs can act unpredictably in new environments.

Take the worry out of your holiday adventures with your pooch and get them fitted with a GPS and activity monitor. With live tracking and unlimited ranges, you can keep an eye on their location in real-time, giving you peace of mind no matter how far you roam.

We hope you take these tips and use them to have a wonderful and safe summer with your pets!