Advice for Locating a Lost Pet

You’ve just gotten home from running some errands and your pet is gone. Now, what are you supposed to do? Follow our simple tips and hopefully, you’ll find your loved animal soon.

 

Don't Wait

 

It’s important to start your search immediately. Make lots of noise – yell for your animal. Stop everyone you see and ask right away if they’ve seen your pet. Most of the time your pet is nearby, so they might hear you and come running back.

 

Consider a Reward

 

Consider creating a flyer with all of your pet’s information on it. Distribute them to libraries, vets, police departments and neighbors. If you are offering a reward, leave out something about your pet’s traits that they will need to identify. Also, avoid scams by staying clear of anyone asking you to wire them money.

 

Search Often

 

Go through your neighborhood multiple times each day. Talk to everyone you see along the way. You’ll also want to contact the shelters each day. Look in hiding places in the neighborhood.

 

Make Sure You Use Collar Tags

 

You can’t do this once your pet is lost, but it’s a good precautionary measure. Put your cell phone number on the tag.

 

Microchips

 

These are just the size of a grain of rice and placed under the pet’s skin. It transmits your phone number through radio frequency waves. Your vet can implant the chip speedily. Then, when your pet is found, a veterinarian and shelter can scan and attempt to contact you.

 

There is a small issue with microchips. They run on three varying frequencies and there are two communication protocols sold. Sometimes, a chip is missed, so you don’t want to rely on this as your only way to find your animal.

 

Whatever you do, don’t panic. The majority of pets are found within 48 hours. Be diligent and don’t give up searching until you find your furry friend.