A pet tracking company, PetRadar, warned the public of increased missing pet cases over the summer months, including the Victoria area.
According to PetRadar, pet disappearances spike dramatically in the summer, with twice as many reported missing compared to the winter months.
Summers mean more time spent outdoors, whether that’s backyard barbecues or camping trips, it creates more chances for pets to slip away unnoticed.
Plus, the camping trips or leaving pets with friends during your vacations can cause disruption in routine and can make the animals anxious or disoriented.
“Every summer, we see a clear jump in missing pet reports from communities like Victoria and Saanich,” said David Olthaar, founder of PetRadar.
“Fireworks, busy parks, and open doors all add up to more opportunities for pets to wander off or get spooked.”
Olthaar added that as pet owners, there are simple steps that can be taken, such as leaving pets indoors during loud events or ensuring ID tags are up to date.
Other tips for pet owners are as follows:
- Microchip your pet and update your contact information
- Use a secure collar with a legible ID tag
- Choose trusted individuals for pet-sitting
- Keep pets in a secure area when doors and windows are open
- Double-check fences and gates
- Stick to a familiar routine
“Summer in Victoria should be about enjoying the sunshine with your pets, not searching for them,” said Olthaar.
“With a little extra care and planning, we can help keep our four-legged family members safe, happy, and right where they belong—at home.”
Fingers crossed for no lost pets this summer!
