A common reason a pet will stray from home is that it isn't spayed or neutered and is looking for a mate. Spaying or neutering eliminates an animal's reproductive instincts and decreases the desire to roam.

Make sure:

• Your cat or dog wears a current rabies tag, license tag and an ID tag with your present address and phone numbers
• Your address and phone numbers are on file with the veterinarian who provided your pet's most recent vaccinations
• Your contact information is current with the registry for your pet's microchip identification implant

A microchip identification implant is the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under an animal's skin. It contains a number that is filed with a national registry. The registry keeps owner contact information. When a shelter or veterinary practice finds an implant on a lost pet, they contact the registry. To get a microchip ID for your pet, consult your veterinarian. Every dog and cat adopted since 1998 from the Dumb Friends League has a microchip ID implant. If you have a League pet and haven't kept your contact information current with the national registry, please call us at 303.751.5772.