If you lose a pet, it can be devastating for everyone.

You may be asking yourself why your pet would leave. Perhaps you are trying to figure out if you could have prevented it. Most importantly, you want to find a way to locate him. And, once you find him, how can you be sure never to lose him again? It may be tough to locate your pet, but there are a ways to find him. So, why did your pet run away? Sometimes dogs leave out of boredom. If he isn't getting sufficient playtime or exercise, then running away may be a way for him to amuse himself. Cats, on the other hand, are probably just curious. She sees an open door and a bird outside; before you know it, she's gone.

Preventative measures to reduce the chances of your pet leaving home.

1. Remember, though, no matter how hard you try, there may be a time when your pet sneaks off.
2. If you have indoor animals, then don't leave any doors or windows open. Pay attention to your fencing.
3. If your dog is digging holes around the bottom of the fence, then frequently check the holes to make sure he can't escape.
4. It's a good idea to fill in the holes every once in awhile, too. Make sure your pet has tags around his collar with contact information.
5. Spaying and neutering your pets can also take away their desire to search for the opposite sex.

Before you search the neighborhood, look around your home.

1. Often, pets will leave but not venture too far.
2. Check under shrubbery, around the house, under the porch, and anywhere your pet can fit or hide.
3. Walk around the neighborhood and call for him, but don't forget to be quiet every so often and listen for a response.
4. Check with your neighbors, and leave your contact information with them. Check your local pet dog parks
5. Try to get the kids involved; they can be a big help in finding your pet.

Next, does your dog know anyone in the neighborhood or have a favorite playmate? More than likely, he will go somewhere that is familiar to him.

Call local veterinarian offices, animal shelters, and animal control.

1. Check with them daily about any new pets that may have arrived.
2. Put up flyers within a mile radius of your home. Only provide a phone number and information such as gender, age, and the date your pet was last seen.
3. If possible, state that there is an award associated with his return, and consider taking out an ad in your local newspaper. Because of possible scam artists, don't put an actual award amount on the flyer or in the ad.
4. If someone does contact you about finding your pet, then make sure you take at least one other person along for safety.

Try your hardest to get him to stay home.

Preventative measures help, but will not solve all of your problems. The most likely way for your pet to be returned to you is if he has a microchip. Microchips are embedded underneath your pet's skin. Most animal shelters and veterinarians have scanners that can read the chips. Once the chip is scanned, it provides all your contact information. If your pet does have a microchip, then make sure there is some type of identification on his collar. If a neighbor picks up the pet, then he will know to take him somewhere that can scan the chip.

Learn more about pet dog tracking chips

Losing a pet is stressful.

Unfortunately, pets run away for a number of reasons, including boredom and curiosity. Making sure your fence is in good shape and keeping doors and windows closed, are two preventative measures for keeping your pet at home. If he does escape, then try to involve the rest of the neighborhood in the search. Check out hiding places around the home before you search a larger area. Post signs around the neighborhood, and take out an ad in the newspaper. Don't forget to check with local animal shelters and animal control. Once you find you pet, then consider getting him a microchip. Microchips are the surest way to have your pet returned to you. Install an electric dog fence and invest in a remote dog training collar to ensure your pets safety.