Lost Pet Tips

It’s always good to be prepared for the worst of situations.  Once you realize your beloved pet is missing, the last thing you’ll want to do is waste time with a sick heart when you could be proactively trying to get your lost pet home. Here are some lost pet tips to get help your pet home as quickly as possible.

1. Search Immediately:  As soon as you know your pet is missing grab a picture of them and get out in the neighborhood.  Ask anyone you see if they’ve seen your pet. Also, call for them ask you to walk or drive slowly through your neighborhood.  Look underbrush, porches (get permission from next door neighbors to look under theirs), and safely check wooded areas around your home. 
2. Broadcast:  The first place to put up signs is on the street corners around your house and in your yard.  But don’t stop there, go to local pet stores, groomers, and veterinary offices as well.  Usually, they will let you post your sign so your lost pet gets more exposure.  If your pet was fleeing in a panic, there is a chance they got farther away than you think, that’s why going outside of the neighborhood is always a good idea.
3. Get Online:  Post up your pet’s picture and description to places like Craigslist, NextDoor, PetFinder, FidoFinder, Pet Amber Alert, as well as posting on your own social media, or local Facebook pages (such as online yard sale sites, local pet-friendly sites, etc). This will get the word out even further and increase the chance your pet will be brought home if they are found by someone in your community.  
4. Contact Local Shelters:  Be sure you contact your local shelters.  Many shelters have lost & found where you can report your dog missing.  Many times when someone finds a pet they will contact the local shelter so you’ll want to make sure the shelters are aware of your missing dog.
5. Don’t Get Scammed:  As sad as it may be, there is always someone willing to prey upon the vulnerable. If you’re offering a reward, avoid being taken advantage of by NEVER transferring money to someone before you have your dog back.  Also before negotiating anything have them give you a detailed description of your pet.
6. Don’t Give Up:  A lot of times lost pets are found, just don’t give up hope.  Cats especially will find a spot to hide and won’t break cover, sometimes for days, before making an attempt to come home.  Depending on the temperament of your dog, they could be easily found or hiding under a porch until they feel safe.  When frightened like this most cats will not meow and some dogs won’t bark either.  This means you can’t rely on them answering you when you call, but keep calling,  Once they break cover they may need your voice to help them find their way home. Trust me, even after two and a half weeks, our little cat Kamora came home.  We never stopped calling for her night after night and finally she made her way home.  DON’T GIVE UP!

When your pet goes missing, your heart drops, and it almost feels like the world stops moving. However, there are a lot of resources you can tap into to get them back home safe and sound.  Pets have been found weeks, months, sometimes years after they’ve gone missing, so there is always hope your furry family member will come home to you.