Safe and Found: How to Stop Your Pet Going Missing This Festive Season
The silly season is almost here. Over the next couple of months, many Australian homes will be filled with visiting family, delivery drivers, backyard barbecues and the odd late-night fireworks display. It's a wonderful time of year, but all that coming and going also means more open gates, more unfamiliar noises and more chances for a curious or nervous pet to wander off.
A little preparation now can save a lot of heartache later. Here are our practical tips for keeping your dog or cat safe, visible and easy to find this festive season.
1. Check Your Pet's ID Before the Holidays
Make sure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date identification, and that their microchip registration has your current phone number and address. If you've moved house or changed numbers this year, now is the perfect time to update your details, before the holiday rush.
2. Secure the Yard and the Front Door
Walk around your fence line and look for gaps, loose palings or spots where a determined digger could get through. When guests are coming and going, pop a friendly note on the gate reminding everyone to close it behind them. On busy days, giving your pet a quiet room of their own with water, a comfy bed and a favourite toy keeps them away from open doors.
3. Plan Ahead for Fireworks
New Year's Eve fireworks can frighten many pets, and a scared animal may bolt. Keep pets indoors on fireworks nights, close windows and curtains, and leave a TV or radio on to soften the noise. Take your dog for a walk earlier in the evening so they're settled before the bangs begin. If your pet becomes very anxious with loud noises, have a chat with your vet well ahead of time.
4. Be Seen on Summer Evening Walks
With hot days pushing walks to dusk and after dark, visibility matters. Light-coloured or reflective gear for you, and something bright on your dog, helps drivers, cyclists and other walkers spot you both. It also makes it much easier to keep an eye on your dog if they're off-lead in a designated area.
5. Have a Plan If They Go Missing
Keep a few clear, recent photos of your pet on your phone. If they do go missing, search your local area straight away, contact local vets, shelters and your council, and share their details in local community groups. The quicker you act, the better.
Our Festive Safety Picks
Two handy collars from the 3Doz range to help keep your dog visible and easier to track down this summer.
AirTag Protective Cover Nylon Dog Collar
Already use an Apple AirTag? This nylon collar has a built-in protective cover designed to hold one securely on your pet's collar. It's made from nylon and diving material and comes in four sizes, from S (30–37cm neck) up to XL (48–55cm neck), plus a range of colours including green, black, orange, cyan, pink, purple, red and khaki.
USB Rechargeable LED Dog Collar
Perfect for those twilight walks, this light-up nylon collar has a hidden switch with steady light, fast flash, slow flash and off modes. The USB rechargeable version runs for about two hours after a 20-minute charge, and a button-battery version is also available. It comes in sizes XS to XL (to suit necks from 28cm to 56cm) and a choice of light colours. Just remember to take it off before bath time.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
Updated ID, a secure yard, a fireworks plan and good visibility on evening walks all go a long way towards keeping your best mate safe this summer. Get your pet holiday-ready with safety essentials from 3Doz today, so you can relax and enjoy the celebrations together.