Thanksgiving for Pet Parents | What To Know To Keep Your Animals Safe

Over the years we have seen many cases of missing animals on Thanksgiving Day. It's not unusual for things to happen when you have a lot of people in your house or when you are out of town in a strange place. Pets get loose when miscommunications occur, when they are dashing around the house excitedly or when someone forgets to leash before opening the front door. Whether you are packing up the minvan for a road trip or hosting a dinner for several dozen relatives, don't overlook the safety of your four-legged friends.

Making Signs And Flyers For Your Missing Pet Search

Many people hesitate to create signage and flyers for their lost pets. Perhaps you aren't sure how to make them or don't have a printer but they are one of the most important things to do right away. Here are some of the basics that you need to know to get started with your missing pet search effort.

Missing Animals, Lost Pets and a Message To Our Owners

We would like to address some things which have been shared around our area. We know that a dog was shot and killed last week (the lab Ginger from MD) and we sincerely hope that the criminal(s) who did that are found. During the same time frame a few other stories surfaced regarding other missing/stolen dogs, in addition to a report of one found deceased, some let out of kennels or taken off their chain while outdoors.


We will pass along news when we have definite info but since we can't verify all the details we don't want to share misinformation. With that said, any warnings we may be stating would be no different than we have said in the past: OWNERS, BE AWARE OF POSSIBLE DANGERS TO YOUR ANIMALS.

When Your Pet Is Missing | Immediate Specific Action Plan (ISAP)

TO THE OWNERS OF MISSING PETS....here is what you need to know in order to: understand the process, quickly launch an effective search, follow certain steps to maximize your chances of a quick recovery.

1) INFORMATION IS KEY. Always include details such as contact info (phone number or email address), city and state, location info such as neighborhood or community. A brief description of the pet such as "Black and white Jack Russell Terrier named Hops, 5 years old, approximately 36lbs" is sufficient.

Prevention of Missing Pets, July 4th and Fireworks

Most summertime weekends bring us Monday morning news of a dog or cat which has gone missing following an evening of fireworks. However during the July 4th holiday these scary things for pets can take place any night of the week. Sadly, some owners fail to consider the terror that a pet may experience, or not understand why their dog is bolting from the noise and smells of such events. But there are clues! If you have a thunderstorm-phobic dog, or one which is traumatized by loud noises, then you are at risk of that animal bolting when they hear, smell or feel scary triggers. Your best bet for keeping them safe is to plan ahead and ensure that pets have a safe place in which to ride out the situation.

Why the Reminder "DO NOT CHASE" Is So Important During Your Lost Pet Search

Whether you are missing a dog or cat, no matter if it's been two days or two weeks, the information below is essential for owners to read. Please keep in mind two things: 1) While this can take place with any animal we are writing it from the perspective of a lost dog recovery effort, and 2) Remember that a loose and confused family pet - no matter how well trained it may be - can revert to a wild state within 24-48 hours. This is their instinct kicking in, that tells them to run from potential dangers as well as tune out anything that threatens their safe area. No matter how well-bonded you may be to your dog, during the time they are running and panicked, there is a very good chance they will not respond or come when called.

What To Do If You See a Pet Left in a Hot Car

Summertime has arrived and with it, situations where people don't think, are careless or simply don't realize how serious leaving a dog in a car can be. Many folks do not understand how rapidly the temperature can rise. Since dogs and cats cannot sweat like humans, they are unable to cool themselves except by panting. Sadly, for many dogs this summer, a car they might be left in could be where they die.

Please leave your pets at home where they are safe and comfortable, and do not gamble with trying to rush into a store for "just a few minutes". Temperatures rise incredibly fast in a closed vehicle and it only takes a short time for a pet to be at risk of overheating or death.

Lost Pet Recovery Plan | 13 Steps to Follow When Your Pet Is Missing

To the owners of lost animals: The information below offers essential and critical details to read immediately. Our multi-step plan will assist you in launching an effective search effort, getting the word out and involving volunteers. Written by Lost Pet PR, updated 6.25.18.

An Important Pet Safety Message: What You Should Know About Bloat

You may have heard the term "bloat" mentioned by people who's pets have had a sudden visit to the emergency vet or even needed surgery. While there are a few breeds that are prone to it due to body shape (those with a large chest area, for example), it's actually possible for ANY dog to suffer this life-threatening condition.

10 Ways to Support your Local Animal Shelters and Rescues

You've heard us here at Lost Pet PR say, probably more times than you could count, "Together We Accomplish More". There are few places that applies more than in animal welfare, local shelters and rescues. COMMUNITY is at the heart of our volunteer-powered site and it goes further than just counseling owners of lost pets. Every single time we as a group of people come together to each contribute something - no matter how small - the rewards are greater.

Easter and Pets: Safety and Responsibility from Lost Pet PR

Traveling with animals requires planning ahead, seasonal treats and items such as Easter grass can be toxic or even deadly. Are you going to be hosting a large family gathering which may lead to pets bolting out of the house? Think first and and set some rules for a pet-safe celebration in advance.

Missing Pet 911: What you Need to Know Right Away

While there are many missing pet pages that offer a terrific sharing network, Lost Pet PR has developed a large library of information to assist in your search. We've been out on searches, worked on many recoveries and have written up that knowledge to help you. These tips and step-by-step instructions can help you to recover your pet but you have to STOP, take 10 minutes to read them, and then start gathering your team.

First, make sure to include all relevant details when you post your missing pet:

• Location (city/state)
• Description (male/female, name, color, age, size)
• Date the animal went missing
• Contact info: phone number or email address

Second, READ THROUGH ALL THE INFORMATION BELOW (13 steps)

1. Act quickly. Many pets are located within 24 hours; the more time that goes by will decrease chances for a successful recovery.

2. Contact animal control immediately and file a lost pet report. Visit our directory of local facilities. If you are in Delaware, file a report with the state-wide lost/found listing at https://animalservices.delaware.gov

Keeping Pets Safe During Winter Weather

Although your pets may have a lot of fur, that doesn't protect them from extremely cold temperatures. Some people might think that "because they are animals that they are fine outdoors in any type of weather", a myth that more and more people are realizing is not acceptable care.

Staying Warm: When pets fur gets wet from being outdoors in cold rain and snow, they actually become more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite because their fur chills them instead of keeping them warm. Do the right thing and BRING THEM INSIDE.

What's Toxic: Antifreeze and puddles of gasoline, oil or other lubricants can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets. They aren't attracted to the taste of petroleum products like they are to antifreeze, but if they step in oil or gasoline, they may lick it off and could poison themselves by doing so. If you believe your pet has ingested antifreeze, get them to a veterinarian immediately!

Lost Pet Tips: Launching Your Search and "Walk and Talk"

Several conversations with owners today have caused us to realize that people are driving around in their cars for hours, looking for the pet from their vehicle. While we can't say it COULDN'T work it's not our first choice for effective searching. We have almost never been successful spotting a lost pet from a vehicle because of their tendency to hide, stay out of sight, near shelter, etc.

Please don't rely on driving up and down the same streets by car. "Walk and Talk" is the most effective way to communicate with neighbors by going door to door. You'll even find more interactions when you are face to face and sometimes people will suddenly remember something important as you are standing there chatting.

Call your friends. Recruit the family. A minimum of 5-6 people is a good start to fan out, 2 per street in densely populated neighborhoods.....15-20 is ideal for a Saturday morning awareness event.

Lost Pet PR | Delmarva's Lost and Found Pet Network

"REUNITING FAMILIES IS OUR GOAL"

Covering the Eastern Shore areas of Maryland and

Virginia and including the state of Delaware

    

What's Toxic about Trick or Treat Night | Pet Safety on Halloween

Did you know that many of the favorite items in our homes right now are dangerous to your pets? It's the most delicious time of the year perhaps, for kids and adults, but there are a multitude of toxic treats which can cause illness or even death. Talk to the kids about keeping their Halloween treats safely out of reach of all pets this coming holiday. Designate an area where their loot must be stashed to avoid an accidental overdose of goodies and make sure everyone in the family or guests understand that sweets are not treats for animals.

"We Have to Become A More Responsible Society"

A few months ago this was posted by animal control as a found stray dog. The worry in the dog's eyes is painful to see and it's hurting my heart.

So many people will slam shelters and animal control for not giving dogs enough time; for putting them to sleep humanely; and yet no one can help all of them. There is no away to avoid our facilities being full almost all the time until we as individuals all accept that it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY. 

• It's your responsibility to spay and neuter and prevent the endless litters of both dogs and cats.
• It's your job as a pet parent to microchip them so if they are lost you can be contacted and reunited, not have your pet sit in a facility until they run out of time. 
• It's up to you to make the humane choice to adopt and not fall for the posts on Craigslist by backyard breeders showing adorable fluffy puppies.

I don't care if this "makes people sad", or is upsetting, or "depressing" - who else is going to fix it? WE - our society, people, greed, ego, lack of accountability - THAT is what hurts the animals we claim to care so much about. And yet when there is no room left some of you rise up and blame the individuals who work in animal control and the facilities for having to put animals to sleep.

 
It's not "them". 
It's our entire community who is responsible.  
If you care don't just read this, stop breeding, be responsible and have your pets neutered and spayed. 
Adopt rather than buying. 
Boycott pet shops and places that seek to profit off the misery of breeding operations.

Lost Pet PR | Delmarva's Lost and Found Pet Network

"REUNITING FAMILIES IS OUR GOAL"

Covering the Eastern Shore areas of Maryland and

Virginia and including the state of Delaware

    

A Missing Dog Reunited with his Family EIGHT Years Later!

There are things that YOU can do to protect your pets should they go missing. The best way to offer a form of permanent identification is by microchipping. It's not a GPS and won't lead you to your roaming dog, but if that pet is picked up by animal control miles or states away, a scan of a chip can provide instant communication with you.



Here we have a picture of a family reunited with their dog at a shelter after 8 years. YES. The dog was recently scanned for a chip and because their information was still in the system they got the call.



Read the story here -
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/29745401/family-makes-18-hour-trek-to-reclaim-dog-lost-for-9-years

Watch the video from the shelter as the dog was reunited with his family -
https://www.facebook.com/foothillsanimalshelter/videos/966648486724668/



Prevention is worth every penny. MICROCHIPS MATTER.

Lost Pet PR | Delmarva's Lost and Found Pet Network
"REUNITING FAMILIES IS OUR GOAL"
Covering the Eastern Shore areas of Maryland and
Virginia and including the state of Delaware

    

Resources for Lost Pets: Sites for Missing Dogs by Breed

If you are missing a dog of a certain breed, you may have some luck sharing your information with various sites or groups. Often owners of particular varieties of dogs will notice that breed more often and may become aware of someone who has either found or recently acquired a similar animal. These are some of the Facebook pages or groups we have connected with.

 

Australian Shepherds
http://www.facebook.com/AustralianShepherdsLostAndFoundUsa

Beagles
http://www.facebook.com/LostAndFoundBeagles

Boxers
http://www.facebook.com/LostandFoundBoxers

Missing Lost, Stolen, Found English Bulldogs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/600894109938370/

Chihuahuas
http://www.facebook.com/LostFoundOrHomelessChihuahuas

Lost, Stolen or Found Yorkies and Dachshunds Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1002467526446704/

German Shepherds
http://www.facebook.com/GermanShepherdLostFound

Great Danes
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-and-Found-Great-Danes/275443399143778

Greyhounds
http://www.facebook.com/GreyhoundAmberAlert

Huskies
http://www.facebook.com/huskydogslostfound

http://www.facebook.com/HuskiesLostFoundHomeless

Pit Bulls
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pit-Bulls-LostFoundMissingStolen/231981680213393

Yorkshire Terriers
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-Stolen-or-Found-Yorkies/271313322885659

Lastly, make sure you are reaching out across a variety of networks to publicize your missing pet. Remember that not everyone is on facebook or social media sites, so it's important to use newspaper ads, classified listings, Craigslist, local lost and found sites, community bulletin boards, etc.

Lost Pet PR | Delmarva's Lost and Found Pet Network
"REUNITING FAMILIES IS OUR GOAL"
Covering the Eastern Shore areas of Maryland and
Virginia and including the state of Delaware

    

Lost and Found Pets | Missing Pet Sites for Delaware and Maryland

This note includes resources, pages and sites for missing animals around the Delmarva Peninsula and nearby areas of Maryland. If your pet has been missing for more than three days and you have thoroughly covered the nearby areas, it's important to expand your search to reach all the nearby counties and states.

Animal Shelter/Humane Society/Animal Control listings for the Delmarva area
ON BLOGGER        
ON FACEBOOK

Lost and Found Resources for Maryland on our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lostpetpr/lost-found-resources-for-maryland/927989523934982

Lost and Found Resources for Delaware on our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lostpetpr/lost-found-resources-for-delaware/927985240602077

What to do when your Pet is Missing
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lostpetpr/what-to-do-when-your-pet-is-missing/604609629606308

Understanding the Behavior of a Missing Pet: Why "do not chase" is so important
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lostpetpr/why-do-not-chase-is-important/896254123775189

The First 24 Hours are Critical
https://www.facebook.com/notes/lostpetpr/dont-delay-the-first-24-hours/816123595121576