Finding a Lost Pet

1. Contact Animal Agencies

   Immediately telephone all humane societies, animal care and control agencies and animal protection organizations within a large radius in order to file a report. Use our local contact list for help and take advantage of the free services on this site. It is recommended to visit us every 24 hours to search for your pet.

2. Search the Neighborhood

   Walk and/or drive through your neighborhood several times a day. Early morning and sunset are prime times. Talk to anyone whom may have seen your cat or dog, such as joggers, mail and newspaper carriers.

3. Notify Others

   Call your veterinary clinics, especially those who offer boarding for cats and dogs. Injured pets are often taken to a veterinarian for care prior to transfer to an animal shelter.

4. Use the Power of Scent

   Place a recently-worn article of clothing in your yard; for litter box trained cats place their box outside. Familiar scents can bring your cat or dog home.

5. Advertise

   Post fliers at all public places. Place an ad in the classified section of your local paper. Offer a reward. Contact WVIN 98.3 to list with their Pet Patrol.

6. File a Report

   Don't assume your cat or dog has been stolen. More cats and dogs stray from home than are stolen. However, if you have evidence notify your police and animal control departments immediately.

7. Don't Give Up!

   Keep searching even when you have little hope left. Cats and dogs who have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners.

More Information

Preventative Measures

Always keep a collar and identification tag on your cat and dog. An ID tag is a lost pet's ticket home. Check with your local animal care and control agency for permanent methods of pet identification. License your pet as local law requires. Other important steps include keeping your cat and dog supervised at all times and having them spayed or neutered.

Links

PetRescue.com - There's an excellent step by step guide of pet finding available on this site.

PetFinder.com - Post ads for free online for lost or found pets.

Pets911 - Online classifieds for missing pets. Also offers a toll free NY phone service 1-888-PETS-911 for finding lost pets.

Copyright © 2009 Finger Lakes SPCA, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Page last updated: 08 April 2009