States With Highest Risk of Losing Your Dog on Memorial Day Weekend-List

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, a new analysis warns dog owners across the country that the combination of holiday disruption and seasonal travel could significantly increase the risk of pets going missing, especially in already high-risk states.

The findings, compiled by the pet safety company Dog-G8, point to a familiar holiday pattern: more open doors, more visitors, and more disrupted routines. Together, those factors can create the perfect conditions for dogs to slip out unnoticed during gatherings or travel.

The concern is not just theoretical. Roughly 10 million pets go missing in the United States each year, and data from Shelter Animals Count show that stray dog intakes typically rise around Memorial Day, a trend that often continues through July 4th and into the summer months. That surge places additional strain on animal shelters and can make quick reunions between lost pets and owners more difficult.

Top 10 States Most at Risk

The data suggests the lost-dog risk is not just about population size. Rhode Island ranks as the highest-risk state, with an estimated 7,807 lost dogs per 100,000 dog-owning households-more than double the rate seen in many other parts of the country. Utah follows closely behind at 7,013.

Here is how the top 10 highest-risk states rank, based on the number of lost dogs per 100,000 dog-owning households:

Memorial Day Creates the ‘Perfect Storm’

Veterinarian Athena Angela Gaffud told Newsweek via email that even well-behaved pets may panic or become disoriented when routines suddenly change.

“Loud noises and busy holiday gatherings create the perfect storm for runaway pets,” Maxted added.

Aside from the flight risk, Gaffud also cautioned owners about other holiday hazards, including toxic barbecue foods, heatstroke, and dehydration from prolonged outdoor activities.

Unfortunately, the Memorial Day weekend spike is just the beginning of a larger seasonal trend. Shelter Animals Count found that the week surrounding July 4th sees the highest surge in stray dog intakes nationwide, as fireworks and summer festivities contribute to a peak in missing pets.

First 48 Hours Are Critical

For owners whose dogs do go missing, the first two days are often the most important.

“Recent lost-pet recovery research shows that most dogs are recovered within two days, with recovery times ranging anywhere from half a day to around three weeks,” Maxted said.

He added that between 71 and 93 percent of lost dogs are eventually reunited with their owners, which is a higher success rate than many might expect during a stressful situation.

Simple precautions, including secure spaces at home, proper containment and visible IDs, can make a difference in locating missing pets.

How Tracking Devices Can Help

Dog-G8’s report found that states with higher preventive safety measures, including tracking devices such as microchips, AirTags or GPS collars, generally recorded lower lost-dog rates and better recovery outcomes.

Several of the highest-risk states-including Delaware, Mississippi and Arkansas-ranked among those with lower levels of tracking-device adoption. In Arkansas, for example, just 35.5 percent of dogs are estimated to have some form of tracking technology.

Although the data set did not directly measure reunion rates, broader research suggests that identification and tracking tools can improve the odds of finding a missing pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that microchipped stray dogs were returned to owners at more than double the overall rate for stray dogs.

“Since most dogs are found close to home, tools that help owners identify or locate a dog quickly can significantly improve outcomes during the crucial first 48 hours,” Maxted said.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 12:06 PM.