Protect your pets this spring

Please remember to check gates and fencing as sometimes they are left open or not properly secured by lawn care professionals, heavy winds and other individuals entering the premises. Consider attaching a sign that reads “please close gate.” You can also secure gates with bungee cords (which might be chewed), locks or clips.

This is also a good time to inspect fencing and to insure electronic containment is working properly and to mark it for landscapers.

Check around your fencing for low areas where animals may have dug in or the ground has shifted around your fencing.

If putting up or modifying fencing inspect it well to ensure it is secured properly and how much space is visible from the fence to the ground. Consider adhering chicken wire fencing to the bottom. Since some pets can scale or jump fencing, don’t leave choke collars on dogs so they don’t get hung on the fence. Consider electronic containment or good tethering within fencing.  

Remember with just electronic containment you are containing your pet but not keeping others out. Have a clear understanding of boundaries and what potential issues can arise with electronic fencing (deliveries, power outages, etc.). Check city ordinances as some clearly state dogs are not to be left unsupervised or without pet owner visible with this product.

Pets can open doors and break through screens. Check and maintain your doors and screens to ensure safety for all.

Please also remember to keep a collar with current identification and a current rabies tag on all pets, and a county license tag for all dogs. This could be a free ticket home and keep pets from being over-vaccinated.

Please report all lost and found animals to the to police and ask them to make a log entry. If they have a kennel take the pet to that kennel for the safety of all.

All current ordinances are available on the city websites or by contacting your city law department.