Did you know that newly adopted pets are up to 4 times more likely to run away, and are especially vulnerable to fleeing in the face of fear or opportunity? It breaks our hearts when we hear about any dog who's run away from home... even more-so if it's happened to a dog that came from MCAS. With this happening so frequently in our community, we wanted to remind that you that any newly adopted dog is considered a flight risk, and we strongly urge any new adopter to take extra precautions with their new pet.
Here are some helpful ways to do that...
Be aware of things that make loud or sudden noises (slamming doors, ringing appliances, etc.) and try to minimize them.
Take frequent, short walks to introduce your dog to the area surrounding your home and help it feel familiar. If your dog ever gets loose, it will help if they know your neighborhood.
Keep a collar with ID (your dog’s name and your phone number) on your dog at all times.
Use safe walking equipment that is separate from their ID collar. A nylon or leather leash (NOT a retractable one), a martingale collar, and harnesses are best for walking flight-risk dogs.
Attach the leash at two points, in case one fails. Use two collars or a collar and harness.
Make sure all walking equipment is properly fitted before each and every outing. (Collars should not be able to slip over their ears and harnesses should be snug but not tight.)
Flight-risk dogs should be leashed—or in a space that is surrounded by a physical fence—and supervised at all times when outdoors.
When traveling, make sure your dog is thoughtfully secured in your vehicle. If you don't have a way to allow the dog to leave the vehicle directly into a contained area (ie. a garage), attach the leash and make sure you have a hold of it before opening any car doors.
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to act with caution as your dog adjusts to their new surroundings. Please share this information and let's work together to keep our animals safe! To learn more about ways you can keep your pet safe, click here.