Five ways to make sure your dog doesn't go missing

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Recently, the New Zealand Herald spoke to New Zealand's very own pet detective, Megan Denize - a.k.a. Inspector Spot - who works hard to find lost pets, establishing her agency after fostering hundreds of animals and discovering one in three pets goes missing.

Here, we share some of our tips for making sure your pet doesn't:

Microchips and collars: make sure your pet is labelled
First things first. In the words of the pet detective herself: "The first rule is if you're not labelled, you don't go outside". Make sure your pet is microchipped and, on top of that, find them a comfortable collar complete with their name, your name and relevant contact details.

Make sure your property is safe
Is your home pet-proofed? Make sure your house has secured surroundings that make it difficult for your dog to bolt off. There are plenty of ways to build pet-friendly fences and dog-proof gates allowing for healthy exploration in a safe and secure environment.

Get a great leash
It seems so simple, doesn't it? But you'd be surprised how many dog owners don't take the time to invest in a good, hardy leash for use anywhere except off-leash parks. Keep your dog safe with a functional leash allowing free movement and safety.

Don't tie them up in public places for long periods of time
Not only does this put your pet in risk of danger - it's cruel. Only tie your pet up outside the supermarket or grocery store when you absolutely have to; don't make a habit of doing it for long periods. Your dog could slip through its collar, chew through its leash, or even be stolen.

Be a smart traveller
Many dogs escape when they're in the middle of being transported (especially if they know they're going somewhere unpleasant, like the vet). When in transit, make sure not to give your dog any opportunity to get away. Remember travelling can be stressful for some dogs - a little bit of extra love can go a long way.