There are few things worse than a missing pet! A missing pet can be harmed once they are lost. It is a pet owner’s worst nightmare when their pet goes missing. According to the American Humane Association:
- An estimated 1 out of every 3 pets will become lost during their lifetime.
- Almost 10 million dogs and cats are lost – or stolen – in the U.S., every single year.
The 5 Steps to Take to Finding Your Missing Pet
Before any of the steps: Make sure your pet is missing! Search your home and other pet-accessible areas (like garages, basements, or even under vehicles) in case your pet is hiding or sleeping. Shake a food dish or treat jar to lure out them out.
- Drive and walk your local neighborhoods calling your pet’s name, ask neighbors to help look for your lost pet and give them “Lost Pet” flyers with your pet’s current pictures and your cell number.
- Alert the microchip company and/or other pet locator services your pet may be registered with.
- Get the word out as quickly as possible:
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- Post on Facebook Lost Pet pages for your community.
Post on the Nextdoor neighborhood app.
- Let your neighborhood watch know immediately.
- Post on your social networks and ask friends, family and neighbors to spread the word.
- Call local shelters, rescues, veterinarians and animal control agencies.
-Hang “Lost Pet” flyers in the following places: - In your front yard
- In the window of your car
- At schools: post flyers at a child’s eye-level, they often notice pets more than adults
- At local parks and dog parks, pet supply stores and groomers, vet offices.
- Post on Facebook Lost Pet pages for your community.
4. Keep circling back to your home in case your pet has returned since you left.
5. Keep checking “found” pet listings on Craigslist, Facebook, and local papers.
BEFORE Your Pet Goes Missing
July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. Also, July 1st is National ID Your Pet Day and a good reminder to confirm all pet ID is up-to-date and still on file where it was registered.
Also, make sure your cat wears tags even if they rarely go outside. It is so easy for felines to silently slip outside unnoticed and ID will increase their chances of finding their way back home quickly and safely.
Pet Identification Methods
Today, there are 2 common types of Pet ID:
Collar ID Tags
Also use another form of ID in case the tags become detached or difficult to read.
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- Plastic or Metal Tags
- QR Tags (a pet tag with a lasered QR code readable by a smartphone)
- Pet Locator Services (works like an “Amber Alert” for lost pets); utilizes a special tag with a unique ID number and a 24/7 800-number.
Microchips (inserted under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades). When scanned, the registry’s phone number is shown. Microchips typically work for 25 years. Also use another form of ID in case a shelter, veterinarian or someone who found your pet cannot scan for the chip.
Remember, your pet relies upon you for their safety and overall well-being so protect them with pet identification before they become lost!
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Additional Reading:
AKC: What to Do If Your Pet Goes Missing
NBC News: What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Goes Missing (and How to Avoid It)
American Humane: What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Pet
iHeartDogs: 9 Things You Should Do Immediately if Your Dog Goes Missing
Image Credits:
Logo Courtesy of American Humane
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Logo Courtesy of Ashley’s Pawsome Pets