1) DO NOT DELAY: It is imperative that you launch a search effort immediately. Do not delay hoping the pet will find it's way home.
2) CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL: This is the agency which handles lost/found pets in your county. Go to their website to file a report, email them a flyer and follow up via phone call. Check all facilities in the local area every day, in person.
3) MAKE FLYERS: Create a missing pet poster including info such as city, state, cross street or landmark, animal description and phone number. Post signs and flyers visibly within a two mile area from where the pet was last seen. See "Templates for Missing Pet Flyers".
4) PLACE SCENT ITEMS: Put out items of your clothing or pet bedding to offer familiar smells in the area where the animal was last seen. If lost from home put articles such as socks or pet's blanket outside, on the deck and around the property.
5) UNDERSTAND ANIMAL BEHAVIOR: Please realize that a loose animal, fearful or skittish pet will often bolt and run from people, even their own family. Read more about how to approach a dog that is scared and running and why we say "DO NOT CHASE".
6) TAG YOUR VEHICLE: Notify the neighborhood as you search by using glass markers to create a a mobile billboard on your vehicle's windows. See more @"Tag Your Car".
7) GET THE WORD OUT: You may need to adjust your privacy settings to “public” so others can see and help share. Also update your Facebook profile and cover photo with the lost pet flyer and tag your neighbors and friends.
8) ASK FOR VOLUNTEERS: Recruit friends to distribute flyers, go door to door and help you carry out an effective search. Designate someone to help with each of the tasks listed here.
9) ORDER A FINDTOTO.COM ALERT: This is a robo-call services that will automatically call nearby homes in your area. Visit the website to map out your location and streets to target specific neighborhoods.
10) WALK AND TALK: Feet on the ground is the best way to learn of sightings while speaking with neighbors and local residents. Pass out flyers and encourage them to call you immediately if they see your lost pet.
11) PLACE SIGNS: Display a large poster at your home so if someone finds your pet they will know who is missing it. Read this important note about signage @ Intersection Alerts and Signs for Missing Pets.
12) DIVERSIFY YOUR EFFORTS: The most important goal to reach as many people as possible. Delegate volunteers to share your flyer to local groups, community associations, online message boards and area businesses. Post an ad on Craigslist, distribute flyers to local vet offices, groomers, feed stores, etc.
13) STAY IN TOUCH: Follow our page posts as people may have questions or will comment with info or a sighting.
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Lost Pet PR | Established in 2011 for the Delmarva Peninsula area, we now
focus primarily on southern Sussex County, DE and Worcester County, MD.
