What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Goes Missing

The formula for success in returning your pet safely and soundly is getting the word out as soon as possible. Don’t expect your pet to appear by himself after a few hours. Don’t hang around waiting for him to return home. 

Get the word out as soon as possible and realize your pet has vanished. Always keep nice and clear photographs of your pet in case of an emergency, and check to see if your pets are wearing collars with identifying tags.

Microchipping your pet is a great method to keep track of him, especially if he doesn’t wear a collar with tags. A microchip is the very first thing a human society or veterinary hospital looks for. 

Your pet’s information, including name and breed, will be stored on the microchip, along with your information and a method to contact you. It is not too late to acquire a microchip for your pet.

scared cat

What Should You Do If You Lose Your Pet?

Don’t wait if your pet goes missing. To assist in bringing your companion animal home to safety follow the instructions below:

  • Print lots of notecards of the same data as above (pet’s information) and deliver them to each apartment across every location from where your cat or dog went missing, or place them in entrances or on windscreens.
  • Ask everyone you see; the more people who are aware of your missing pet, the more probable it that the one who finds it will contact you.
  • If you think your pet is scared, request the locals to inspect their garages and yards, particularly in the evening.
  • Act quickly! Don’t waste days waiting for the sake of your pet to return. The sooner you start looking for him, the higher your chances of finding him.
  • Contact all veterinarians’ hospitals in your city, even emergency animal care centers. Occasionally, somebody will rescue a runaway and take it to a nearby hospital. If you believe your pet was stolen, you want to report it to the police as well. 
  • To have the message across, contact all nearby animal treatment centers, animal authority and pet controlling personnel, neighborhood cops and public security officers, regional breeders, the traffic authority, puppy training organizations, and petting stores.
  • Call your pet’s name and look for her in any places where she might have gotten stuck, such as basements, garages, or beneath cars. The Dallas Vets point out, “As a missing puppy or cat would typically hide throughout the day – and usually close to the home or even in the home – go to these spots with a light at night and call for him/her.”
  • In rare circumstances, you may have to rent or buy a net cage and use it to catch a fearful missing pet. These are frequently given by the district animal rescue office for rent and will be suitable for every pet animal.
  • Let people know your pet is missing by searching your neighborhood or the region where he was last seen.
  • A can of your pet’s favorite food might sometimes entice a hungry and terrified pet to come to you.
  • Make a list of all animal control agencies in your town and its environs. Animal control officers collect stray animals on behalf of the police department. At least every 2 days, contact them or inspect their shelters.
  • Every day, check with your local shelters. Don’t only call; go to the shelters and look for your pet. Most animals are difficult to explain over the phone, and only you have a true understanding of your pet’s appearance. You should also look into pet finder websites and lost cat or dog sites and post your pet’s information on as many as possible.  
  • Make “lost pet” signs with your pet’s photo. Post them around your area, as well as at post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices, and supermarkets.
  • Keep an eye on the found advertising. Any that sound similar to your pet’s description should be responded to. White pets can turn drab grey after a week on the streets, and the ad’s description may not be accurate.
  • Place classified ads in local newspapers and offer a prize to anyone who finds your untagged pet and decides to keep her.
  • Keep in mind that pets sporting ID tags have a better chance of returning home.
  • The majority of these advertisements are free. Make a call to your local radio stations. Some radio stations will broadcast information about lost pets for free. Give them as much information as possible about where you keep your pet missing, his description, and how to reach you.
  • Because losing a pet is so difficult, it’s critical not to give up after a little while. Keep calling local shelters, posting on Facebook, and going for walks to look for them. Be patient; your cherished pet is searching for you as well.

Final words

Take care of your pets and don’t leave any stone unturned to get them back! As they are your best friends. You will soon find your pet so never stop searching. 

Always call for help. Locate some Petfinder, they will help you in finding your lovely pet. 

About the Author

Pet expert Anna has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Anna spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger.

 

Was this article helpful?
YesNo