How to Hand out Fliers to Find a Missing Pet

Losing a pet can be devastating for a family. If you find yourself in that position, making and distributing fliers might be the best way to spread the word and let others know who to contact in case they happen to spot your pet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Giant posterboards
• Permanent markers
• Tape
• Photo of your pet

1. Make a missing pet flier that stands out. Use brightly colored or fluorescent paper and write the words with a black permanent marker. Avoid using too many different pens, as this may look too busy and confusing. When writing with a felt-tip marker, make sure you space the letters so that the words don't blend together and are easy to understand.

2. Make the fliers for a missing pet as big as possible. A standard 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper is too small and only people walking right by the poster will actually be able to read it. Because you want people on the other side of the street and even drivers to be able to read the sign, use poster board instead of printing paper. Poster board is available at office supply stores and are usually sold for school crafts. They are also more durable than plain paper and will withstand abuse better.

3. Write the words "lost cat/dog" in large letters. If you are offering a reward, make sure that this is also spelled out in large lettering. The other details can be smaller, as people will approach the flier if they are interested in learning more. Add a photo of your pet if you can. For small fliers, you can create an original and then make photocopies. For a large one written on a poster board, you can copy the photo itself and glue it to the poster.

4. Hand out missing pet fliers in the area around your home first and then start moving outward in a larger radius. If your pet got lost somewhere other than your neighborhood, hand out fliers around your home anyway, as many pets will try to find their way home and may be spotted by neighbors.

5. Stop by local pet shops, veterinarian offices and other animal-related locations to post fliers. If the owner allows it, post a flier on the door, bulletin board or other high-traffic area where visitors will easily see it. Or you can leave a small stack of fliers on the counter so they can hand them out to shoppers.

Tips & Warnings

• Hand out fliers to schools and youth organizations. Children are more likely to remember seeing a lost pet because they are naturally attracted to animals. When dealing with children, remember to ask permission from school authorities or the people in charge before approaching minors.
• A combination of large posters and small fliers work best when searching for a lost pet. Both have their time and place and will reach different people.