Getting your dog or cat ready for autumn: what to check

A practical autumn checklist: why your dog or cat's routine changes, what accessories to check, and why it's worth refreshing the ID tag.

With autumn preparation for dogs and cats underway, shorter days and walks in the dark change the daily routine a little. You don't need new gear every season, but a few simple checks help keep your pet safe.

Why autumn deserves a little extra attention

With less daylight, morning and evening walks often happen in the dark or in rain. Your pet becomes harder to spot from a distance, and the collar or strap gets wet more often and needs checking more frequently.

It's a good time to check the general condition of the gear worn daily: the buckle, the attachment ring, and whether any text on the tag is still readable.

What to check at the start of autumn

Check whether the collar or strap has loosened or tightened as your pet's coat changes, which is common in some breeds in autumn. Check the metal ring the tag hangs from, since a worn ring can fail exactly when it matters most.

• Check the collar or strap fit.
• Inspect the tag's attachment ring.
• Wipe and dry gear after rainy walks.
• Check the tag's text is still legible.

Refresh the ID tag

If your phone number has changed or the current tag is worn, autumn is a good time to order a new one engraved with up-to-date details. A legible tag with your pet's name and a contact phone number remains the simplest form of visible identification.

Lăbuțe Gravate ships personalized tags and straps across Chișinău and the rest of Moldova, with free pickup from Albișoara 16, Chișinău.