A pet owner’s worst nightmare is when their best furry friend goes missing. While you can sit in panic hoping they make it back soon, there are other, more proactive steps you can take to make your search quicker and easier.
Follow these steps to bring your pet back home and give you a peace of mind knowing they are safe.
- File a missing pets report – these can be done online on a variety of websites, like pets911.org. In this report you can describe your pet in detail and even upload a photo. If you believe your pet was taken by someone, call the police and your local Humane Society.
- Search your neighborhood, but first leave some food and water outside your door in case your pet returns. While you search, have a photo of your pet, pen and paper (to write your contact information for neighbors if they spot the animal), a flashlight, your pet’s favorite toy or treat, and a leash. Call out your pet’s name as you walk throughout the area.
- If you do not find your cat or dog in this search, create colored fliers with your pet’s photo, a description (size, color, name) and your phone number. You do not need any more information than this. If you choose to offer a reward, do not put the amount on the flier. Place fliers all around town – almost a third of lost pets are found more than 10 miles from home.
- Notify local veterinary hospitals and clinics, as many people who find lost pets bring them to such places. Give each location a copy of your flier.
- Check out the animal shelters in your area. It is estimated that between 4 and 6 million pets are brought into shelters every year, with only about half picked up by their owners. Visit the shelters every couple of days, as the employees may not recognize your pet based on the description. You can find shelters near you online.
Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar with an ID tag displaying your address or phone number, so if someone finds the animal you will be contacted right away. At the Metropolitan Veterinary Center, we have animals lost in the Chicago area brought to us frequently, so be sure to let us know if you have found a lost pet or are missing your own.
Courtesy of Veterinary Pet Insurance
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