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What
should you do when a pet is lost?
March 6,
2008
If you've had to search for a missing pet, you know how upsetting
that experience can be. It's even more common as spring approaches
because they are more likely to wander this time of year if not
spayed or neutered. It's also happening often in this post-Katrina
landscape, where contractors and work crews accidentally leave doors
ajar or gates open.
When a pet escapes, many people are not sure where to look or even
where to begin looking. Animal shelters see evidence of that
everyday. Too often, staff members are hampered because the pet has
no ID tag or microchip and there's no photo available that can be
posted to help reunite the lost pet with its owner. Please share
these tips with every friend, family member and neighbor who has a
pet.
If the pet is lost, search your neighborhood and, especially in the
case of cats, your property thoroughly. Cats have a tendency to hide
near or under their home, especially if injured.
When looking throughout the neighborhood, call your pet's name
frequently and even bring along favorite treats and squeaky toys to
lure them. Also have a photo with you so you can show it to people
who may have encountered your pet. Better yet, have a flyer with a
photo and phone number that you can leave with them. Don't hesitate
to go door to door and investigate every possible lead. Cross major
intersections in case they've wandered out of the neighborhood, as
often happens.
Post fliers everywhere possible with a photo of your missing pet and
a phone number where people may reach you. Remember to posts the
flyers at veterinary clinics, including after-hours emergency
clinics, both in and outside of your neighborhood.
Place "lost" ads in every publication in your area. Offering a
reward and adding "reward if found" to flyers can help, but be
careful to avoid scams. If someone calls saying they have your lost
pet and that they want to claim the reward, have someone with you
when you meet, especially if you're going to their residence.
Go to all of the animal shelters in your area. Someone may find a
lost animal and drive it to the animal shelter they're most familiar
with, and that may not be the one nearest you. Go to the shelters in
person and go every day, or at least every other day.
Consider commandeering a few friends or family members to alternate
"search" visits with you. A phone call won't work because your
description may not match the image the person at the shelter
envisions.
Shelters want lost pets to be reunited with their owners, so they
will show you every animal in their population. Repeated visits are
important, so don't hesitate to become a "fixture" at the shelter
while looking for your pet.
While there, the staff will have you complete a lost report so they
can compare it with animals that enter the shelter. Bring a photo of
the pet to include with the report.
The Golden Rule is never give up the search. Use all search methods,
repeatedly. Many a lost pet has been reunited with their owner due
to an exhaustive determination to find them.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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