osing a pet can be a terrifying experience because they are
part of the family. You may feel helpless when they become
lost without the means of finding their own way home. The
first thing to remember is that it can happen to anyone. Even though
they are part of your family, they are still animals. They can be easily
distracted and wander off in the few seconds that you turn away from
them. If you have lost a pet, don't panic; there are various things you
can do to help find them. . The best way to avoid a lost pet is through
preventative measures.
• Boredom
• Loneliness
• Fear from an unexpected event
• Curiosity
• They need to search for their old familiar home if they were relocated
Make sure that your pet doesn't get bored. Dogs love getting into trouble and there are plenty of curious cats.
Make sure your pet has plenty of different dog or cat toys and treats to choose from. Rotate them around to
maintain their interest. Give them treats like Greenies or a chew bone to keep them entertained. These will also
help maintain healthy teeth.
Dog Toys
Cat Toys
Dog Treats
Cat Treats Ensure that your pet's paperwork is in order. This includes health certificates as well as photographs. Take
pictures of your pet often. It is extremely beneficial if your pet does become lost, to display recent
photographs that will aid in the identification of your pet.
Make sure your dog or cat has proper ID tags that are updated regularly. It should have a phone number and
street address with the city and state. A dog can cover 30 miles in just a hour. There are pet recovery
products which can be a tiny microchip that helps you connect you and your pet to a comprehensive pet
recovery service. Or you can get really high tech and get a GPS locator for your pet.
Personalized Pet Tags
Home Again - Pet Recovery
Tek Series Training and Location Collars | Make sure your pet has a collar that fits properly. Cats have been known to get their collars snagged on objects which cause the collar to break off. Use a piece of string to measure the animal's neck and add another two inches for comfort. |
Leashes | Make sure whenever you are outdoors that you have a leash for your pet. There many outdoor distractions that may cause your pet to act erratically. A leash will prevent your pet from straying too far from you. |
Training | If you have a dog, behavioral training can be one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent pet loss. Make sure your dog is familiar with being on a leash and follows your simple commands such as "sit" and "stay." |
The Familiar
Check the places that may be familiar to your pet
The Unfamiliar
Look for your pet in unusual places in the home (storm drains, ditches, ventilation pipes.)
Advertise
Make big, easily noticeable signs that include a recent photo of your pet. Offer a reward if possible. Put an ad in the newspaper or on the Internet.
Recruit
Go door-to door and ask your neighbors if they have seen your pet. Once they know about it, they may be able to help keep an eye out for your pet.
Contact
Call your veterinarians and shelters in the area. Give them your number in case they need to call you to confirm identity. Visit your local shelters every day. You know what your pet looks like more than anyone else.
Don't give up
Pets who have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners.