I Have Found A Lost Pet ... What Do I Do?

 

 

 

A. Check for ID:

- Look for tags, information riveted or printed on the collar. 

- Check inside the collar in case something is written on the inner side. 

- Look for tattoos on the underside of the ear or on the inner flank.  CKC registered tattoos can be searched at

- Take the pet to a veterinary clinic and have it scanned for a microchip; there is no charge for this.

 

B. Go to Where to Post Missing Pet Notices/Sightings and Who to Contact - found pets and sightings can be posted in all the same places where lost pets are listed.

 

C.  You can list found pets/sightings on www.helpinglostpets.com and create flyers to share by email or on Facebook and posters that can be printed out.

 

Instructions for posting a Found Pet/Sighting and Creating a Flyer or Poster:

 

1.  Visit our page to add a Found Pet using this link: http://www.facebook.com/NLHeLPMissingPetsListings/app_208195102528120

 

2.  You will receive an email after you have listed th pet you have found. In the email are links to create a FREE Poster. This poster may be printed or shared on Facebook, PINNED on Pinterest or even Tweeted.

 

3.  If you need additional guidance, this tutorial shows how to create the poster and post it to a Facebook Page:

http://www.helpinglostpets.com/put-your-poster-on-facebook.aspx

 

 

D. If you are unable to hold on to a found pet until the owner is found then take it to a local animal shelter or municipal pound.  Do not let the pet go hoping it finds it's own way home. Think lost not stray. Look for the owner, don't give away someone's pet or look for a new home for it. There are people who are spending months and even years looking for missing pets that someone probably has taken in or rehomed. Do not put the former owners through the agony of never knowing what happened to their pet, always try to find the owner. Do not assume the pet is neglected or abused because it is thin, dirty, or scared. It may have been missing for a while and has learned to be wary/fearful or may have always had that type of temperament. You should wait at least 3 to 5 days, preferably longer to give the owner time to reclaim their pet. Not everyone is on Facebook or even on the internet. There are still some people who do not have a computer and are not online at all.

 

More information:

 

 I Found a Lost Dog

 

 Think Lost, Not Stray

 

E.   Due to the unfortunate increase in the practise of pet flipping/false pet claims/thefts you may need to request some proof of ownership. To determine if the person claiming the pet is the actual owner, request proof of ownership such as photos or registration certificate (tattoo or micrchip number will be listed on the certificate).  You can ask the person to contact their veterinary clinic to give permission for you to inquire that there are records indicating this person owns a pet matching the description of the pet you found.

 

F.  Sometimes is is difficult to know if a pet is lost or just permitted to roam.  This is especially true of cats which go outside and travel around the neighbourhood.  You can try Cat Tagging to see if the cat has a home or is actually lost;