Urgent Steps to Take to Find A Missing Pet

As animal lovers, pets are like our furry children. They are our babies and when one of them goes missing, our world basically comes to screeching halt. While your first instinct might be to panic it’s important to stay calm and collected. What you do in the first 24 hours are imperative to finding your pet and getting them back home safe and sound.

Here are some essential steps to take that will help give you the best chance at finding your missing pet.

Check in and all around the house

We know this sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many pets are found under the porch or hiding under the bed. Furthermore, some pets are forgotten in cars or get trapped in parts of the house such as closets or bathrooms. So, first and foremost, thoroughly check in and all around your home before concluding that your pet is lost. Ask friends or family living in the house if they have seen or heard your pet and if not, when was the last time they did?

Notify your microchip company

Microchips are small computer chips (no bigger than a grain of rice) that are implanted under the skin of your pet, typically at the nape of the neck. These chips contain all the pertinent information to identify both pet and owner such as name, address, and phone number. Microchips are very inexpensive, usually averaging around $45 and can be injected into cats, dogs, horses, birds, exotic animals and even fish. Investing in a microchip for your pet is the most effective way to find a lost pet.

According to Petfinder, “Only about 22 percent of lost dogs that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. However, the return-to-owner rate for microchipped dogs was over 52 percent… Less than 2 percent of lost cats that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. The return-to-owner rate for microchipped cats was dramatically higher at over 38 percent (more than 2000 percent better).”

Contact your veterinarian, shelters, and animal control

Animal control should be one of the first calls you make. Have a detailed description of your missing pet ready and take a current photo when going to pick up. They may also need to see vaccination records.

Anytime your pet goes missing, you should also contact your veterinarian. They may have access to certain resources and information that you may not. They will also be able to provide you with current and up-to-date vaccination records.

Make a call to your local shelters including the local SPCA and Humane Society. They will be able to let you know if they have received or found a lost dog or cat matching your pet’s description. Start with those closest to home first.

Make use of social media and other online resources

Everything is done digitally these days! Social media is not only a great time-passer and a terrific way to keep in touch with those you love, but it can also come in handy with a missing pet. Social sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help to get the word out quickly. Facebook is especially powerful because there are a number of posting options. When posting on your personal account, tag all your friends, family, local businesses and shelters. If the response is low, try sending direct messages. Not so obvious features are pet pages and forums. These range from lost pet pages and groups to breed specific pages and groups. Look for those in your area using the search bar.

Other online resources include pet forums, classified sites such as Craigslist, and websites like Petfinder. Again, look for your city or area and post to these the minute you’re sure your pet is missing.

Keep in mind, you should also be checking these online resources to see if anyone has made a “found pet” post.

Flyers

While digital is the new ‘it’ thing, old school flyers are still an effective way to alert your community about your lost pet. Get these out as soon as possible, the first 24 hours are critical to finding your pet before they leave the area. Make sure they include a current photo and all the identifying features you can think of including any identifying marks, names (including “pet names”), and vaccinations. Make a stack of flyers to hang around the neighborhood and pass out to neighbors. Offer contact info for you, and if you’re able, you might want to offer a reward. You should also inquire to local shops about displaying them in the windows.

Tip: Depending on where you live, it may help to put your fliers in a plastic sleeve to protect them from getting wet.

Canvas the neighborhood

Good old footwork. Scouring the neighborhood is also an important step. Ask anyone you see if they have seen your lost pet. Be sure to have some of those flyers ready. Also, check any locations in which you frequently take your pet or places they recognize. Pets tend to navigate to familiar areas or locations before venturing out into the unknown. Have someone stay at home in case your pet returns and have your cell phone with you to take any possible calls about your pet.

Preparation Is Key

Pet I.D: A pet I.D is incredibly important. They have cheap ones than can be made on the spot, in places like Walmart and Petsmart.

Vaccination records: Your pet should be up-to-date on all necessary vaccines. It is a good idea to keep a copy of their vaccination records. If your pet gets lost and picked up by animal control, you will need this.

Current Photographs: A clear, non-blurry, recent photo is crucial to your missing pet search. Even better if in printed form.

MICROCHIP!!!: Sorry about the yelling, but this is so very important. It is super cheap, does not hurt the pet, and can be the difference between seeing your pet again versus… not. Microchipping is the easiest, most sure-fire way to prove ownership.

Spay/Neuter your pet: Not to sound all Bob Barker from the Price is Right, but not only do unfixed animals result in an overpopulation of homeless and unwanted pets, but a pet who is not fixed is much more likely to wander off. Always spay and/or neuter your pets, folks.

Safety: If left unsupervised, be sure that your pet is in a safe, secure, preferably fenced-in, area. If being walked in public, your pet should be leashed at all times, and in many places, this is a law.

Having a lost pet is no doubt heartbreaking, however, by taking the right steps, you can often end up with a positive outcome. Being fully prepared will help increase the chance that you will find your pet, and they will be back in your arms in no time.

-Eyal Azerad ([email protected])