Why July Is the Worst Month for Lost Pets (And How to Protect Yours)

Did you know that July marks National Lost Pet Prevention Month? There’s a compelling reason behind this designation.

Statistics reveal that July sees the highest number of missing pets compared to any other month. While fireworks and Fourth of July festivities contribute significantly to this trend, the real culprit is summer itself. Warmer weather means more outdoor adventures, family vacations with pets in tow, and countless opportunities for our furry friends to slip away during the excitement.

Let me share a heart-stopping experience we recently had that taught us some valuable lessons about pet safety.

Our Terrifying Close Call

Years ago, we invested in professional lawn care—one of those splurges that transforms a three-hour weekend chore into a 15-minute job. The time savings meant more family moments, so we’ve kept the service ever since.

Recently, however, a new crew member accidentally damaged our backyard gate with the mower. The problem? Nobody told us about it.

That evening, chaos reigned during our typical bedtime routine. The dogs were napping peacefully in the backyard while John read to Astrid and I chatted with Violet. As we prepared to head upstairs, I stepped outside for a quick dog check.

Empty yard.

Our backyard wraps around the house, so I walked the entire perimeter thinking they’d just moved to a shaded spot.

Still no dogs.

Panic set in. I rushed inside, shouting for John. As I grabbed my phone from the kitchen counter, my heart nearly stopped—a doorbell camera notification showed Stola at our front door.

By the time I raced outside, she’d already wandered off. Several precious minutes had elapsed while I was with Violet, phone-free.

Here’s the added challenge: we have deaf dogs. You can’t simply call their names and expect them to bound back home. John and I split up, running in opposite directions. Kind neighbors joined the search, expanding our coverage area.

Fortunately, John located Stola quickly—she’d stopped to watch a neighborhood kid shooting hoops. The youngster spotted John and called out, “Hey, your dog is here!” Crisis one: averted.

Meanwhile, Penny remained MIA. After circling the block, I rushed home to post on our neighborhood Facebook group. But when I burst through the door, there she was.

“Mama, I found Penny,” Astrid announced calmly. Apparently, Penny had circled back to the yard and headed straight for the door, where Astrid had let her inside.

The Aftermath and What We Learned

Sure, everything ended well. But the experience left us shaken and much wiser about preventing lost pets.

We immediately barricaded the damaged gate and conducted a thorough fence inspection. Now we’re scheduling professional repairs for both the gate and some warping boards we discovered. That terrifying twenty minutes taught us we’d become dangerously complacent about pet safety.

Rewatching the doorbell footage later made me smile, though. Stola simply walked to the front door and waited patiently, as if thinking, “Um, guys? I’m out here. Little help?”

10 Essential Lost Pet Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain Secure Fencing

Inspect gates frequently—don’t make our mistake. Look for gaps, cracks, or weakened areas in your fence line. If burrowing animals create holes underneath (as rabbits do in our yard), install buried chicken wire to block escape routes.

2. Use Proper Leash Equipment

Always keep dogs leashed during walks, and verify that collars and harnesses fit correctly. Gear that’s too loose allows slip-outs, especially when pets get spooked.

3. Inspect Windows and Screens for Cats

Cat owners should regularly check that windows and screens are secure and undamaged. After severe weather, conduct immediate inspections for storm-related damage.

4. Microchip Your Pet

Pet microchipping dramatically increases reunion rates between lost pets and their families. This simple procedure provides permanent identification that can’t fall off or fade.

5. Update Microchip Registration

A microchip only works if the information is current. Verify that your address, phone number, and email are up-to-date in the microchip database.

6. Maintain Current ID Tags

Collar tags with current contact information enable quick reunions—often before pets ever reach a shelter. Someone who finds your pet can call you directly, streamlining the recovery process.

7. Establish Reliable Recall Training

Train pets to respond to recall commands whenever possible. We’ve developed visual recall signals for Penny and Stola since they can’t hear us, but they must be looking our direction. Invest time in recall training now—it could save your pet’s life.

8. Exercise Extra Caution During Events

Fireworks, New Year’s celebrations, and street festivals frighten many pets into bolting. Consider keeping pets safely indoors during high-stress events to prevent escape attempts.

9. Invest in GPS Pet Tracking

While GPS tracking devices require ongoing investment, they’re invaluable for escape-artist pets. I’m currently researching options—please share your recommendations in the comments!

10. Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Hope you’ll never need it, but prepare now. Save recent photos of your pets, microchip numbers, and contact information for local animal shelters and veterinary clinics in your phone. When every second counts, you’ll be glad you prepared.

Your Turn: Share Your Experience

Have you ever experienced the terror of a missing pet? What prevention strategies would you add to this list?

Please share your stories, tips, and recommendations in the comments below. Together, we can help keep all our beloved companions safe at home where they belong!

Related Topics: Pet safety tips, summer pet care, microchipping pets, GPS pet trackers