Finding a Lost Pet

According to the ASPCA, more than 10 million pets are lost in America each year. (http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/143/Tips-for-Finding-a-Lost-Pet.aspx).  When your beloved family member strays from home, it can be very traumatic.  If you find yourself in a situation where your pet is lost, there are a few things you can do that will help you have more success at finding him or her.

1. Start searching your neighborhood immediately. Knock on doors and talk to neighbors. Chances are that these people may have seen something that might help you find your pet. The quicker you start your search, the better chance of success you will have. If it is getting dark, bring a flashlight to search darker, more isolated areas. Check drain pipes, ditches, corners, under bushes, beneath cars, under roof eaves, etc.
2. Create hand out and post fliers with your pet’s picture and your phone number on them. If people can see a clear picture of your lost pet and are reminded visually of your search, someone may respond. A flier may also put neighbors on the
   "look out” for your pet and will give them a way to contact you if they have any helpful information.
3. Contact local animal shelters and the police department or animal control immediately. As stated on Fairfax County, Virginia Animal Services Division, you should “visit local shelters often—every day or two—to look for your pet. First visit the stray and adoption rooms and if you do not see your pet, ask to be taken to the back to view animals that may be sick or injured. Remember that your description may not match someone else’s description of your pet, so in-person visits are important.” (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/animal/find-lost-pet.htm ) Please note that missing pets may be missing a few days before they are found. And it is important to remember that just because your pet started out wearing identification tags, it doesn’t mean he or she still is wearing them.
4. Remember to leave out some food and water for your pet. These familiar items may entice your cat or dog back to your residence. You could even gently call your pet’s name later at night. Your voice may encourage them to come out of hiding if that is what they are doing.

Other ways to track down your lost pet include placing an ad in your local paper, asking local businesses to post your flier in a visible location and speaking with local veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet stores to ask if they are willing to post your flier.

Don’t give up on your search.  Animals that have been lost for extended amounts of time have been reunited with their families.  Footwork and persistence often pay off.

As stated on the Humane Society’s website, “A pet—even an indoor pet—has a better chance of being returned if she always wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address, and telephone number.”  (http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/what_to_do_lost_pets.html) Planning ahead for an emergency such as losing your pet might actually prevent the emergency all together.