Tips for Finding Lost/Missing Pets

The loss of a pet can be upsetting and stressful. We have prepared the following suggestions to help you find your missing friend. Please take a few minutes to read them. You can also find some excellent tips at http://www.catsinthebag.org/:

1. Go to your local Humane Society/Animal Shelter and fill out a lost report. Visit within five days of losing your pet and come at least twice a week until your pet is found.
   

2. We advise you to check all neighboring animal shelters as soon as possible. Your pet can run fast and far. Pets are often found by people and taken to the shelter nearest their home.
   

3. Search for your companion animal. Canvass your neighborhood on foot, by car, during the day, and at night. Look in garages, yards, basements, closets, under cars, in shrubbery, and at your neighbors' homes as well as your own.
   

4. Leave food and water out. Cats usually hide out within two blocks of their home.
   

5. Call and whistle to your pet. She may be injured, frightened, trapped, or unable to come to you. Hearing your voice may encourage your pet to answer you. Remain in one place long enough for your pet to find you after you call.
   

6. Tell friends, neighbors, kids, babysitters, mail carriers, etc. that your pet is missing.
   

7. Post lost pet notices on bulletin boards in stores, churches, libraries, and around your neighborhood. Include the pet's name, description, a photograph, and your name, address and phone number.
   

8. Advertise in local newspapers. Some run free lost pet columns, others will charge. Offer a reward, but do not specify the amount.
   

9. Watch the found pet columns in the local newspapers.
   

10. Contact local radio stations. Some may be willing to make an announcement for you.
    

11. Contact breed clubs and specific rescue groups if your pet is a purebred. They may have information on your animals.
    

12. 
    

REMEMBER

1. Keep ID tags/license on your pet at all times
   

2. Microchip your pet
   

3. Keep your dog confined and walk it on a leash
   

4. Train your pet to respond to your commands
   

5. Be sure your current address and phone numbers are listed on all registration records
   

When filling out lost reports or writing a newspaper ad, remember to include the following:

1. Pictures of your pet
   

2. A description of what your pet was wearing (collar, etc.)
   

3. A description of your pet's physical characteristics (breed, color, identifying marks, etc.)
   

When you find your pet, examine it thoroughly for hidden injuries or signs of illness.