How to Find a Lost Pet Quickly

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By Gottaloveit
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Article Rating: (5 Ratings)

Pet rescues are full of lost dogs

I've had a pet go missing for a period of time in the past and ever forgot the panic I felt while I was searching frantically for my dog. In today's plugged-in world, thankfully, it is much easier to recover a lost pet. Follow along in this eHow to gather some ideas about how to be prepared in the case you've lost a dog or a cat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Have missing pet posters set up and ready to go

Getting your lost pet back quickly is the name of the game. In order to do this, be prepared. Proactively create posters with appropriate information such as the pet's breed, age, any distinguishing characteristics, your name and phone number and a prominent picture of the dog or cat. Add in a line for 'Last Seen:________' so you can quickly write in the information if your pet is missing. File the missing animal posters in your file cabinet under 'just in case.' This way, if your dog or cat is missing, you're ready to go. No wasted time creating posters.
Step 2

There's a new web service called Findtoto.com which is leading the pack in internet pet recovery sites. If your dog or cat is missing, go to findtoto.com and sign up for one of their packages in order to have your neighbors notified. Lost pet packages start at $95 for 500 neighbor contacts. I know that if any of my dogs or my cat was missing, this is the first place I'd have a friend head as I walked the neighborhood.
Step 3

Create an email list of people who are animal lovers also so you can quickly dash off an email to start spreading the word. Ask that they forward your email to people on their own email list so the word will get out even quicker. You should also contact your breed's local pet rescue group and ask that they post the notice on their website.
Step 4

Knock on doors of at least 10 surrounding houses - don't worry that you're disturbing your neighbors, they'll understand. Give them a poster and ask that they keep on the look out for your dog or cat.
Step 5

When your dog or cat is found, offer either a small reward or, if your offer of a reward is turned down, donate the money to your local humane society so that other lost animals may be protected.

Comments

thesearcher said

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on 7/19/2009 Ohhh, I never thought of that ! Don't offer a reward on a poster ! Makes sense !! 5* etc.

edieness said

on 6/14/2009 Nice work writing How to Find a Lost Pet Quickly.5*

shenandoah said

on 6/5/2009 Really useful info on finding a lost pet. Thanks for writing it.

ladym33 said

on 6/2/2009 My dog only ran off once, thank goodness, she did find her own way home, she never ran off again after that one time. But I like your idea about being pro-active just in case it happens. This might be a wise thing to do for children too. Very good advice!