TIPS ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR PET
While we hope this never happens to you, it’s always best to be prepared. We’ve gathered a list of tips to help you in your search should you ever need to do so.
The most important thing to remember is Don’t Waste Time! The faster you begin looking, the faster you may find your pet. Read on for more information…
- Within the first 2 hours, ask family and friends to help search on foot and by car. Everyone should have a collar, leash and treats. Search around town and up to a 2-mile radius of the location where your pet was last seen.
- While you’re out searching, have someone else make phone calls to these local organizations:
- Humane Society
- Animal Shelters
- Rescues
- Your Vet’s office
- Local Police Department
- Search your pet’s favorite places, and think about places that might attract your pet. (e.g. nearby friend’s homes, parks, buildings with dumpsters, food establishments, etc.)
- If your pet likes squeaky toys or other family pets, these can be helpful during your search.
- Have flashlights handy, and look under everything. Check under bushes and shrubs, buildings, vehicles, and other dark spots. If your pet is frightened they will hide.
- Searchers should call your pet’s name in an upbeat manner, utilizing squeaky toys, and whistling to get your pet’s attention.
- Knock on doors and check with your neighbors.
- Call the local vet in your neighborhood or the pet emergency clinic. If your pet was hit by a car or injured, someone may have dropped them off to receive medical attention.
- Create a flyer to post. Hang these flyers all over town, in neighborhoods, schools, vets, shelters, and dog parks. Things to include:
- A recent picture of your pet.
- A good description of the pet so he will be easy to recognize.
- Include identifying information like his collar, pet tags, tattoo, scars or unusual colors, microchip ID number.
- Share your pet’s name, time and place where he was last seen, and if there is a reward (but do not state how much!)
- Use words like “Family Pet,” as it tends to motivate the community to look for you.
- Be sure to state if there is an existing medical condition.
- If your pet is friendly, you could say “Please try to coax her into your garage or fenced in yard and call us.” If your pet is not friendly or could be a fear biter, try saying “Don’t attempt to corner her” or “Please do not approach, and kindly call us with her location.”
Being prepared will always give you an advantage on bringing your pets home safely. For more information and ideas, please give us a call! 215.896.7250. We wish you all the best!
Team Wiggles n Wags
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