Steps to Finding a Lost Pet
Schedule dog waste removal
 |
We spend a lot of quality time looking for the perfect pets and when we find that special one that fits our personality we spare no expense or time getting the supplies needed to make sure that our new friend will be healthy and fit. |
|
First thing to do is to pet proof your property. Fix broken gates or fences and block off any small confined areas that are big enough for your pet to crawl into. However should you be faced with the nightmare of losing your pet be sure to check every possible hiding place your pet would be able to fit in. Get the word out to your neighbors as soon as possible. Let them know when you last saw your pet, most of them know about your pet and their personalities and ask if they have seen any strange people or vehicles in the neighborhood. When I first got my little white poodle mix puppies I had them staked out in the front yard to enjoy the sunshine. I was in the front room watching them from a window directly in front of my puppies. Then this little red car with two people in it parked along side the curb and started watching my puppies. I was watching them for about 20 minutes when the passenger steps out of the car and begins looking around over her shoulder and started walking towards my doggies. I stepped right out side and sure enough she jumped back in the car and they zoomed off. One or both of my puppies would have been gone that day if I had stepped away for a moment. Check with your area veterinarian to see if anyone has brought in any stray pets for care during business hours and in the evening check the Animal Emergency clinics. Take a picture of your pet and phone number to the local humane society or animal shelters. Animal control usually keeps pets for 3 days before they put it up for adoption or euthanasia. So check it daily a couple times a day if you can. Organize family search teams you can cover more ground that way. Canvas the neighborhood and call out your pet’s name. Listen for your pet frequently. Create flyers make sure they are visible use brightly colored paper put up as many as you can throughout your neighborhood and surrounding areas. Be sure to include the date and location of your pet at the time of loss. It’s best to have a color photo of your pet on the flyer. Only place a phone number on the flyer. Search the internet. There are several great resource sites for free lost and found pet ads. Your local paper for found pets. Ultimately you would have to check with your local department of transportation for any dead pets. I like to believe that people are generally good but the reality is there are a great deal of dangerous people in the world. So always use CAUTION when setting up a meeting with a person who claims to have found your pet. Never go alone and never invite them to your home. Use a public meeting place. Remember to thank everyone who helped you and offer your assistance in return for the same deed. |
|
|
PREVENTION can minimize these efforts. I lost 2 dogs in 30 years. First one was stolen on Christmas day; a neighbor saw a car pick him up and the second was my own fault she got out through a broken gate that I put off fixing until it was too late. Keep your pets tag and collar on at all times and the micro chip is truly the best way to go. It can truly save you a great deal of heart ache. |
Here are a few great lost pet resources |
