Lost Pets

Lost dog poster

Lost Your Pet? These 5 Steps May Help You Find Your Companion

It only takes a second for your pet to dash out an open door or slip through a gate that didn't latch properly. Some animals seem to vanish just minutes after they make their escape, causing heartache for the people who love them. Although some pets return on their own, others are found only after a long search. Following these steps may help you find your lost pet sooner.

Alert the Neighbors

Lost pets don't always travel far. In fact, they may be sniffing around your own neighborhood. Before you begin a search, contact your neighbors first. Your pet may be visiting one of their homes.

Start the Search

Covering as much ground as possible as soon as you realize your pet is missing is the goal of your pet search. Enlist friends, family members and neighbors to help you scour the neighborhood for your pet. Give them:

  • A Recent Photo of Your Dog, Cat, Ferret, Bird, or Small Animal (Print copies or send a few images to searchers' phones.)
  • Collar or Harness and Leash
  • A Supply of Your Pet's Favorite Treats

Assign each searcher a specific part of your neighborhood. Ask them to:

  • Call Your Pet's Name. Use your pet's given name and nicknames.
  • Show the Photograph to Anyone They Meet During the Search. Don't rely on your searchers to describe your pet accurately. A photo offers the simplest way to identify your animal.
  • Distribute Flyers. Print flyers with your pet's photo and name as well as your name and phone number. Include distinguishing characteristics or personality traits that may not be apparent in the photograph. In addition to giving flyers to your neighbors, ask your searchers to distribute them to local businesses.
  • Look Under Nearby Porches, Bushes, and Other Potential Hiding Spots. Although your dog may come when called, cats often hide when they're lost. Finding them may require a little detective work. Shaking a can of treats or offering a few tasty tidbits might help lure your cat out of hiding. Be sure to ask permission first before entering private property.

Check Out the Pets Surrendered to Animal Shelters and Veterinary Offices

If your pet is still lost, log on to your computer and take a look at the pets surrendered to local animal shelters and animal control departments. Many shelter websites include search features that make it easier to identify animals that look like your pet. Keep in mind that descriptions can be subjective. You might describe your pet's coat as brown, but the shelter may label it "brindle."

Don't rely on online searches alone. It can take a few days for shelters to photograph and add incoming animals to their websites. Visit shelters and ask to see animals in both their public and holding areas.

Stop by shelters every one or two days, in addition to viewing animals on the websites daily. You may want to expand your search to include shelters within a 20-mile radius of your home. Animals aren't always taken to the nearest shelter. If someone works in your area and lives elsewhere, they may drop your pet off at a shelter close to their home.

Call local veterinary offices too. Some accept lost pets and try to re-home them.

Verify Your Contact Information with the Microchipping Registry

Has your pet been microchipped? The tiny chip implanted under your pet's skin contains a code linked to your contact information. If you've moved since your dog or cat was microchipped, make sure that the registry contains the correct contact information.

Take Advantage of the Power of the Internet

Whether we're posting the latest cute picture of our pets or kids most recent baseball game, social media is the perfect way to connect with friends and share information, including news of your lost pet.

Posting or tweeting about your lost pet will help you spread the news quickly. Encourage your followers to retweet or re-post and offer frequent follow-up posts during the search.

Consider posting information about your pet on a few lost pet sites, like PawBoost or Pet FBI. These national clearinghouses provide a platform for people who've found or lost pets. Some automatically send your pet's information to local lost pet Facebook pages or help you create printable flyers.

Microchipping can help you increase the chance of a reunion if you ever lose your pet. Whether you want to make an appointment for microchipping or are concerned about a health issue, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule your pet's visit.

Sources:

ASPCA: Finding a Lost Pet

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/finding-lost-pet

The Humane Society of the United States: What to Do If You Lose Your Pet

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-lose-your-pet

Pet FBI

https://petfbi.org/

PawBoost

https://www.pawboost.com

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  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
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  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
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  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
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  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
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  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
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  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
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  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.