Finding A Lost Pet

First, find a recent photo of your pet. Then head out into your neighbourhood. Knock on doors, ask if anyone has seen your pet. Talk to everyone you can find, especially the neighbourhood kids. Kids are great at finding lost pets! But also talk to the postman, the school crossing guards, the neighbourhood watch groups, the trash collectors, and anyone else you can find around your house.

If you can, take a friend or family member along. Leave your phone number and a description of your missing pet, but don't write down your name and address. Unfortunately, because of scam artists and other criminals in our society, it is never a good idea to publicize this information. It is often helpful to offer a reward, but don't say the amount.

As you walk, make noise. Talk to your friend who is helping you search. Bring along a squeaky toy that your pet would recognize. Shake the box of treats and call your pet's name. Animals have a much greater sense of hearing than humans. Your pet may respond to the sound of your voice, or come running for his toy or treat. Stop occasionally and listen for your pet to reply to you, then call, squeak and rattle again as you walk around the neighbourhood.

Post Flyers

Use brightly coloured paper. Give a description of your missing pet and a photo (a colour photo if possible). Give your phone number, but not your name and address. List the date and place
your pet was lost, the breed of dog or cat, sex, age, weight, colour and markings. Post as many as your budget will allow, from waist height to eye level, in a one-mile radius around your house.

Contact local shelters, veterinary clinics, animal control agencies, and any other organizations that deals with animals.

Although this organizations often network with each other, you want to talk to all of them yourself. Call the city or county Department of Transportation's Animal Control Crew to see if they have found your pet's body along the roadways.

Caution: There are dangerous people in our society who will use a "found pet" ploy fraudulently, so never respond alone. Take along a friend or two, and arrange to meet in a public place.

Collar and ID tags are your best helpers in getting your pet returned home.
Even indoor animals should wear them at all times.

About the Author:

Ann Wamack is a freelance writer with Caitlyn's Two Paws Up Pet Site. Please visit the site at http://www.c2paws.com for monthly pet care tips, articles, games, freebies and pet supplies.

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