When you lose a pet it is important to act fast. Make
sure these items are your top priority:
The most important thing..
Please please if your dog or cat is still
in the area, please leave food and water out. It serves
three purposes, reduces the need for the animal to wander
further, protects him or her from thirst and hunger and it
can draw them back if they are not too far. Please do not
assume your dog or cat can find food or water on their own.
Lost pet signs..
Make up flyers with your lost pet's photo, last location
and date, time where lost and any other identifying
information. A name is fine, but remember that some animals
will not respond to their name when frightened. Offer an
award. Post your flyers near where the animal was lost, at
grocery stores, pet stores, vets, police stations, fire
stations.
Getting the word out
Talk to the police and fire (or security) in your
neighborhood about your lost pet. Physically hand them a
flyer. Go door to door in your neighborhood or the search
area with flyers about your lost pet. Talk to parents
and kids in playgrounds. A large percentage of kids
find lost pets. Is your animal a cat? Ask if there are any
people who are feeding cats in the neighborhood or any other
ready sources of food. Post signs and go there... more than
once.
Approach newspapers, radio stations. Anyone who
will give you press. A lot of people want to help with lost
pets. You are not alone.
Check shelters every day in
person
Notify shelters about your lost pet and post a
flyer there. Check shelters every day. Do not rely on the
shelter to correctly ID your lost pet and let you know if he
is there or not.
Personality Search Tips
Is your cat an indoor cat?
Most indoor cats are found within a 1 block or a few
house radius of their house. Pay particuilar attention
there. Please do not think you can 'find' your cat. Cats are
very difficult to find. They hide well and move fast. Draw
them out with food and water
Is your cat an outdoor cat?
If you cat normally comes home at night, chances are if
you have not moved suddenly that you cat is hurt or unable
to find his way home. Check garages, places where he or she
can hide and be safe when hurt or locations where he
acidently might have gotten locked in. Was he or she sick or
ill or aged, a lot of animals will leave home to pass to
avoid causing stress on their owner
Is your
dog a small, cute dog?
Small cute dogs rarely make it far without being picked
up by some friendly or not so friendly neighbor. Good
signage is your best weapon here and make sure your dog has
a collar and tag.
Is your dog an aggressive
looking breed or large?
Most people call the dog warden or pound on dogs like
this. They can also travel far. Widen your search, use signs
and get the word out. Some breeds are more likely to get
stolen than others. Contact the police for a list of dog
fighting or theft rings in the area.
Check here for more help!!
http://www.lostapet.org/
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