Lost Pet Information

What do you do when your pet is missing?

What do you do when your pet is missing? When you've lost your pet, take action immediately to increase your chances of finding them. Sometimes you may have a pet that is missing and you know what caused it, but sometimes you just don't know what happened to your pet when they are missing. I have been through the torment of having a missing pet and can relate first hand to the anxiety and fear of not knowing if your pet is safe and will return or if something terrible happened. My dog escaped one night when the front door was not shut good and he needed to go outside. I thought he would run around for a few minutes and come back, but he did not. My dog was missing for three long weeks and I am glad to report a happy ending, but I want to share some tips on things you can do to increase the chances of your pet's safe return.

• Don't give up! Your pet want's to be with it's family. Your focus is it's only hope of returning. If someone finds your pet they need to be able to find you.
  
  
• Spread the word! Make flyers and include the best picture to show color/markings for your pet. You may want to leave some small detail about your dog out to use for identification purpose if someone finds them. Include date missing, sex, breed type, any specific details about the dog that could identify your dog such as a collar or tag. Also include if there is a reward or not, but beware of scams do not include the amount. Be sure to put contact information on the flyer such as home or cell phone #. If you have a local vet also give the vet phone #. Places to put flyers include neighbors doors/mailboxes, local markets, community centers, bulletin boards, post office, gas stations, vets, animal control, rescue groups, any other business that people go to on a regular basis that may see the flyer. Keep in mind if a pet is scared when they are lost they can travel a good distance. If you are in a rural area you may need to post to nearby towns where people go to do business or work.
  
  
• Notify your vet and any other local vets or animal hospitals with a flyer. Many times if people find a dog they will contact local vets to see if a dog has been reported missing. Also your vet may offer to have the pet dropped off there if someone finds your pet running loose somewhere until they can contact you. This is also important if your pet is found injured so they can receive immediate care.
  
  
• Place an ad in your local papers. Most papers run low cost classified ads and will run the ad until you cancel it. If your area has a paper that serves a large area try to place an ad there Be sure to also check the "found" section of local papers.
  
  
• Use the internet! There are tons of lost pet websites, some you can even post pictures on. Check with local radio stations to see if they have classified ads on their websites. Some sites to check are www.fidofinder.com , www.dogdetective.com, www.pets911.com, www.petfinder.com. These are just to name a few, if you search "lost pet" you will come across many sites to check.
  
  
• Check your local animal control daily! Make sure they have a flyer about your pet and can contact you. Many shelters are high kill shelters and if your pet get's picked up they may not have much time. It is a good idea to go there and look for your self also.
  
  
• Drive/walk around your neighborhood, call the pet's name, take a favorite squeaky toy or any sound your pet may be familiar with. Check with neighbors to see if they can help look for your pet.
  
  
• If someone claims to have your pet use caution. Never go to claim your pet alone. Make sure you can have the person describe your pet in detail before you go to meet them. If you see your pet with someone else and they are not willing to surrender the animal be prepared to have your local law enforcement or animal control get involved.
  
  
• Keep in mind if you have a male pet and they are not neutered they may be on the trail of a female in heat. This means they can be gone for a few weeks until the female is not in heat anymore.
  

It is important to have your pet spayed or neutered to keep them from wandering.

I hope these tips help and you have a safe and happy pet return home soon!