How to Find a Lost Dog or Cat

As a former Animal Control Officer I often gave advice to pet owners that had lost their dog or cat. The most important step is to take action fast. Here are some steps to follow.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Cell phone
• Flashlight
• Car

1. Speed is critical when it comes to finding your lost pet. Get as many friends and family members together so you can implement the steps in this article. Getting three people is enough but the more the better. Some are going to stay home and make calls, others are going to start scouring the neighborhood and the last person is going to search the house and yard.

2. The first group is going to search the neighborhood in two mile radius. They should not leave the house until they have paper and pencils, cell phones and a flashlight.
   
   This first group should ask any kids or people they see on the street if they have seen your dog. Give them a description of the dog and write down your name and phone number. That way they can contact you if they see the dog later in the day.

3. The next group will look over your entire house and yard. Many times lost pets get caught behind something. I once watched my Mother's cairn terrier and thought I had lost her. I looked all over the house and yard only to find her under my bed.

4. The last group will stay at home and make phone calls and start to put together flyers. This person or group should start contacting all the local shelters, humane societies, vets, police departments and neighbors.

5. When you are making the flyers you should put the word "LOST" in big bold letters across the top. The a picture of your dog, place and area that your dog got loose from (don't put your name or address on the flyer), color of your dog's collar, your phone number, reward and any other information that you think is necessary
   (medications, markings etc).

6. Once the flyers are done, you can call someone from the group that is out looking and have them return to the house. They can pick up the flyers and they can start to post them while they are out looking.

7. The flyers should be posted in high traffic areas such as gas stations, grocery stores and vet offices.

8. If your dog is still missing after a day start to visit area shelters. It is better to make a personal visit than to rely on the volunteers and employees at the shelters. Not that they don't do a good job but mistakes can be made.

9. Place an ad in your local newspaper and make sure you look in the found pets section.

10. This can all be done by one person but with a group of people you can take much more action faster, and speed is the name of the game when it comes to finding a lost pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Take steps to prevent your dog from getting lost. Check you fence, training, keep gates locked etc.
• Don't allow your pet to roam.
• Make sure you have updated photos of your dog.
• Keep a collar on your dog with your phone number.
• Get a microchip implant.
• If someone calls to say they have found your pet make sure you meet them in a public place with a friend.

[favefive]

on 12/17/2007 Wonderful tips in finding a lost dog or cat. I have 5 dogs we almost lost 2 when we accidentally left the side gate open.