What to do When you Lose Your pet

Imagine taking a walk with your four-legged friend only to have them run loose. Or what’s worse, coming home to them not around. Nobody wants to lose their pet- it’s an incredibly emotional and distressing experience.

Now, what SHOULD you do when you lose your pet?

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to take when your pet goes missing. Below, we cover everything from searching your home and neighborhood to spreading the word and perhaps using technology to find them. Read on.

#1 Stay Calm

At first, everything can feel blank, dark, and helpless. However, it’s extremely important to stay calm even though the situation may beg otherwise. This will help you make quick, rational, and organized decisions to increase the chances of reuniting with your pet. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Do not panic.

#2 Assess The Situation

You know your pet the most. From here, recall- think about where they could possibly run or go to. When was the last time you saw them?

If your pet has a GPS tracker, check its location data to see if you can pinpoint their whereabouts.

If they were inside the house, maybe consider if any doors or windows were left open or if there was any activity or possible situations that could have scared them away. Pets often hide in familiar places when they're scared or disoriented.

In the case that they went missing with you during a walk, recall the exact route you took and any points where they could have slipped away.

#3 Search Your Home and Neighborhood

If you can, ask for the help of family, friends, and neighbors. The more eyes you have looking, the better. Divide the area into sections so that you can cover more ground efficiently. Make sure everyone knows to call your pet’s name softly and to listen for any responses.

What to do When you Lose Your pet - Pet Blog | PetCurious

Check the bottom of the beds and couches-they might be there just not making a sound. Try to call their name softly (be patient as being frantic might scare them away even more). You can also carry some of your pet’s favorite treats or a toy they’re familiar with, like a squeaky toy or a bell. This can help them come out of hiding.

Once you do your search and find that they are not home, expand your search to the immediate vicinity. Do a slow walk or drive around your block. Look under parked cars, in the alleyways, with your neighbors, and so on.

#4 Spread the Word

If the search above doesn’t bring you any results, expand your search and possibilities even more. Spread the word by printing out flyers, posting them, or giving them to individuals around you. Your flyer should have the following details:

Make the first few words bold and preferably red for something eye-catching, with texts such as “MISSING PET” or “MISSING CAT/DOG”
A clear and recent photo of your pet that highlights their most distinctive features
Your contact information
Details about the pet
Any other information that can be helpful for the search, such as the place where they were last seen

Distribute these flyers around your neighborhood, at local parks, and on community bulletin boards. Leverage social media, post them on social media groups, lost pet websites, and apps. Inform your neighbors and ask them to check their yards, sheds, and garages.

#5 Contact Local Authorities and Shelters

Next, reach out to your local animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal control. Do a report your lost pet and provide them with the most detailed descriptions you can give.

Increase your luck and chances by visiting shelters in person. Chances are, your pet might already be there. Someone might have brought them in as a missing pet.

Keep checking back regularly, as new animals arrive every day.

#6 Offer a Reward

Offering a reward can motivate people to keep an eye out for your pet. This reward can be in the form of a material object or money, in most cases. Add this reward to your flyer and spread the word.

But at the same time, be wary of scams. Someone might message you and claim to have found your pet with the intention of getting the award right away. Make sure to always ask for proof or do a meetup if possible.

#7: Prevent Future Incidents

Now let’s say you’ve finally reunited with your pet-that’s great! Once you do, take extra precautions and steps to prevent future incidents. If you’ve found that any place in your home is flimsy or have gaps for them to escape, have it fixed right away. Regularly do security checks around your home too.

It’s best to have your pet microchipped with all your contact information up to date. Your pet should always wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number.

The Bottom Line

Always put your love and care at the center of your pet search, staying hopeful and persistent is key when searching for a lost pet. With organized and quick actions, you can increase your chances of bringing your furry friend back home. Finally, take preventive measures to keep your pet safe in the future. Good luck, and we hope for a happy reunion with your beloved pet soon!