Each year, approximately 10 million pets are lost in the United States, and millions of those pets end up in animal shelters. Only about 15% of dogs that arrive at shelters without tags are reunited with their families, which is just depressing.

Dogs are humankind’s best friends, so it’s a shame that so many end up alone in shelters, separated from their owners. Perhaps if more people were aware of how often dogs are lost, they would take the necessary actions to prevent it from happening to their pets.

Fortunately, there is a holiday that attempts to raise awareness about this issue: National Lost Dog Awareness Day. Celebrated annually on April 23rd, it aims to raise the profile of the lost dog crisis in the U.S.

Facts About Lost Pets

Let’s take a quick look at some facts about lost pets that we’ve uncovered while researching National Lost Dog Awareness Day.

• A family pet is lost every two seconds.
• Approximately 33% of all pets will become lost at some point in their lives.
• Only a third of pets with ID tags wear them all the time.

Observing National Lost Dog Awareness Day

One way to observe this holiday is to ensure that your own pet is protected. This can be done by ensuring that your dogs have dog tags and/or are microchipped.

That way, if they become lost, they can be easily recovered. Another way to celebrate this holiday is by ensuring that gates are secure and that there is a plan in place in case your dog ever becomes lost.

You can also celebrate by adopting one of the dogs in shelters that now need a new home. Take one of these dogs home and give them the family they deserve. And while celebrating this holiday, use the hashtag #LostDogAwarenessDay to spread the word about it far and wide.