Search Tips | nl-helping-lost-pets

MISSING PET SEARCH TIPS

1. Start looking! Don't assume your missing companion will be back in a day or two, has

been stolen, or has "gone off to die." Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet

is missing. Remember that animal shelters and municipal pounds are only legally required

to hold a found pet for three days. After that a pet can be adopted out or euthanized. So

don’t wait a few days to see if your pet comes home on it’s own … waiting a few days may

mean you will be too late to be able get your pet back.

2. Due to the unfortunate increase in the practise of pet flipping and/or strangers claiming dogs that belong to others you may want to check reunited pet listings and local online classified pets for sale ads etc. just in case some unscrupulous person claimed your missing pet as their own.

3. If your missing pet is a cat, put his/her used litter outside to help him/her find the way home. Also leave out food. Be sure to search your entire residence and property, every nook and cranny that your cat could have gotten into including ceiling holes, drawers, closets, under beds and furniture, inside appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, freezer, etc.) Don't count on your cat making noise. Recently there was a cat listed as missing that was actually in a drawer for 7 hours that never made a sound (he is fine). Sometimes a catch and release trap set up in your yard will catch your lost indoor cat who is in hiding nearby but too afraid and confused to come home.

4. Posters work! Plaster your neighbourhood and surrounding area with posters. Put posters up in high traffic businesses to get the word out to as many people as possible. BE SURE TO PUT POSTERS AT THE VETERINARY CLINICS, MUNICIPAL POUNDS, SPCA/RESCUES, PET SHOPS, PET GROOMERS, DOG PARKS - Lots of pet loving people will see them. Facebook flyers and posters for printing can easily be made for any missing pet listed on www.helpinglostpets.com. Offer a reward.

5. Post about your missing pet on social media sites - see Where to Post Missing Pet Notices/Sightings and Who to Contact - make your missing pet's poster your profile picture on Facebook.

6. Set up a Facebook group for your lost pet to help organize searches.

7. Print four to a page flyers to hand out to people as you search your neighbourhood. Or get business cards printed with your missing pets information.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TO PROVIDE ON POSTERS AND FLYERS

- Type of pet (cat, dog, bird, rabbit, snake, etc.)

- Date and time that pet went missing or was found

- location where pet went missing or was found, and circumstances

- age of pet if known (adult, puppy/kitten, elderly, etc.)

- Description of the pet (size, breed or breed mix, specific colours, distinct markings or eye colour, length of fur, etc.)

- Any identification features such wearing a collar/harness, dragging a leash, collar with tag, microchip, or tattoo, etc.

- Any special health concerns, medication requirements, and/or personality characteristics such as nervous, fearful, etc.

- Reward (if offered) - it is usually best not to specify the amount

Other Search Tips:

1. Heavenly Creatures - How to Find Your Lost Cat (about lost cats but pertains to any lost/found pet)

2. St. John's Humane Services - Lost or Found a Pet? Tips If You Have Lost Your Pet