Lost Pet? Find Them with 4 Simple Steps
More pets go missing over the July Fourth holiday than at any other time, so if your furry pal is afraid of fireworks, learn how to find them if they take off in a panic. Follow these four steps for the most effective ways to find a lost pet.
Step 1: Share your pet’s picture on social media
Who isn’t on social media nowadays? Even at work, you likely have a large portion of your network scrolling through Facebook and Instagram. Post the clearest, most recent photo you have of your pet, along with a description and the location where they were last seen, on all of your social media pages. Also, share the post in local groups, such as lost pets, buy and sell groups, and neighborhood chat pages. Encourage your network to share your post to increase the chances of it being seen by someone who has seen your pet.
Step 2: Contact local animal shelters and veterinary hospitals
If someone picks up a pet on the run, they likely will take them to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital to have them scanned for a microchip and to be held for an owner to reclaim. Contact every shelter and clinic near your home to see if your pet has turned up, and email a picture and description to each facility.
Step 3: Enlist family and friends to comb your neighborhood
Nothing beats a dedicated search party to comb the neighborhood. Go armed with your pet’s favorite treats and toys—think smelly snacks and squeaky toys—and knock on every door, calling your pet’s name as you go. Listen for yelps, whimpers, and cries, as your pet may be hurt or stuck somewhere.
Step 4: Contact your pet’s microchip registration company
Your pet’s microchip registration company may have a service that issues a lost pet poster to the area’s veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. Contacting the company also will put out the alert that your pet is missing, and their employees likely will assist you with any available resources they have.
In honor of National Lost Pet Prevention Month, schedule an appointment with our team to have your pet microchipped to help ensure a happy reunion.