What to do When Your Pet Gets Lost
As animal lovers, losing a pet is one of our worse nightmares. We may do a lot to prevent it from happening, but lost pet situations can still occur.
Sadly, Independence Day is one of the highest-rated dates for losing a pet. Pets behave differently when they are scared.
Unusual circumstances such as natural disasters and loud festivities like fireworks can force them to flee.
Some pets have even broken through windows when they were secured in an enclosed space.
This is what you do when you lose a pet.
Take Immediate Action - If you are home, try calling out in the yard or outside in the off chance that your pet is nearby. Let your neighbors know what happened and show them a picture of your pet. Exchange contact info.
Call Shelters and Veterinarians - If you haven't done so, microchip your pet in case of an emergency. The staff at these facilities can scan your pet and find your updated information and contact you if your pet is picked up and brought in. Inform them of any medications your pet needs in case.
Call Animal Control - Describe your pet.
Register With Lost And Found - Immediately post online. Have your pet's specs and photo ready to upload.
Create Posters - Print a poster with your pet's photo, defining physical characteristics, behavior to strangers, "do not chase," and your contact information. Keep your phone handy for texts and calls.
Post Online - More sites to post on with a digital copy of your poster: Nextdoor, Facebook, individually post on neighborhood Facebook groups, Facebook yard sale groups, Instagram, and Craigslist.
We hope all our pets stay safe and indoors during the fireworks on July 4th. But unfortunately, it is a common occurrence to lose pets, so keep this list handy.