What can I do to find my lost pet?
Dog Gone It, You Lost Your Pet
Losing a pet you love can be very stressful, for both you and the pet! Here are a few suggestions that can help:
Tour your neighborhood and check the places familiar to your pet - perhaps you take him/her to a friend's home on a regular basis? (S)he may have gone there or, perhaps, was diverted while strolling along a familiar route.
Don't be shy! Talk to your neighbors immediately and let them know. Dogs, in particular, tend to visit other homes with dogs. Other pet owners are usually very happy to help in your search.
Contact your city pound and file a report. Bring in a picture of your lost pet.
Put posters up in your neighborhood (bylaws permitting). Many stores have places where you can put small posters.
Contact the veterinarian who issued the rabies tag - (s)he may have received a call from someone trying to track you down. Another veterinarian could have seen the pet brought in by a concerned citizen.
Register your pet with the lost section of the newspaper.
Contact all the local shelters and keep calling them back! Animals arrive at shelters every single day and often times the employees in shelters are so busy that it is easy to overlook an animal that they may have been notified about. It is essential for you to contact them daily and keep your pet fresh in their minds. If you have a picture of your pet that can often times help as well.
If you've just moved from another neighborhood, maintain contact with friends and neighbors who would know your pet. It is not uncommon to see an animal travel great distances to return ''home''. In a new house, be certain to search it very thoroughly. Pets, especially cats, have an interesting knack for finding cracks, crevices and unique hiding places in the home you think you know.
Don't give up. Some pets do return home on their own after quite some time. Keep your eyes and ears open to scratching on your front or back door. If you live in a busy neighborhood and your pet is roaming the streets, it is most likely that (s)he is hiding during the day and roaming during the night. Consequently, your lost pet may be trying to get into your home during the night or early morning hours.
Remember, pictures speak louder than words. Always include pictures when possible!
