We all know that our fur babies are considered family, and we have to protect our family. In this day and age, that can be harder than ever.

Depending on how lucrative your pet's breed is - like in the case of Pedigree dogs - you may even have to look out for people trying to snatch up your pet! If your home is located downtown in a big city, you definitely want to make sure that you have security measures in place so that your pet can't get out, and no one else can get in.

Here are some suggestions fro how to make your home safer for your furry friend.

Keep Them Inside

The best, fool-proof way to keep your pet safe (from getting lost, at least... no promises on not letting them get into the trash) is to keep them indoors.

Leaving your pet chained outside or in a car opens up the possibility of them getting lost, or worse: getting seriously injured because of the outdoor elements (the heat, especially). They will be perfectly comfortable and air-conditioned at home. Alternatively you can bring them to most stores with you, and you'll be able to keep an eye on them while you run your errands. Lots of places will allow pets to come in with you, and if they're a service animal, they can follow you anywhere!

Get Them Microchipped

Getting your pet microchipped is one of the best things you can do for your pet. If the worst should happen and your fur baby does get lost, the microchip will have all of your information on it, so as soon as someone finds them and brings them to a vet or Humane Society, they can be traced to you.

Getting a microchip is generally inexpensive and only incurs an annual fee if you need to update your information yearly.

Build a Fence

Of course, there are situations where you can't bring your pet, as much as you may want to. If you're often in a scenario where you have to leave your pet behind, consider building a tall fence that your pet can't jump over.

A fence is a big commitment, and you may not be enough room for a physical fence. In that case, you can consider a wireless dog fence. These wireless fences are a great alternative to a big, white picket fence, and will also be just as effective in keeping your pet safe. They require batteries, which can be found on sites like The Pampered Pup.

Leave Them Home

Sometimes, the best thing to do to make sure your pet is safe is just to leave them at home. Make sure that all the windows and doors are locked, AC is on, back patio door is closed, and some toys are left outside for them to play with while you're gone. Your home is a familiar place, and they likely won't get spooked and run away if something scares them, like they would if they were in an unfamiliar place.

Keeping your baby safe is priority number one when it comes to owning a pet. It takes a little bit of extra time and planning to consider where you can leave your pet when you need to leave the house, but it doesn't have to be hard. Even something as simple as checking to make sure you locked your door before you leave the house can make a huge difference. Our pets love us, trust us, and entirely rely on us for their safety and well-being. It's your responsibility to make sure that you are doing everything you can to ensure your fluffy family member's safety!