Having a lost furry family member is a very stressful and upsetting experience. In this blog post we have condensed years of information, search procedures and helpful tips which have assisted hundreds of pet parents over the years. Please read over this and share with your search team!
LOST A PET? Please read over our action plan for missing animals which includes essential steps to launch a successful recovery effort.
(1) Do Not Delay: it is very important to begin looking for your lost pet immediately. PLEASE don't wait and just hope your furry family member will find it's way home.
(2) Contact Animal Control: this would be the facility which handles lost & found pets in your county or city. Visit their website to file a missing pet report, email them a flyer and follow up via phone call. In addition, notify all shelters in your local area and check them daily in person.
(3) Make Posters: create a missing pet flyer which includes info such as city, state, cross street or landmark, animal description and phone number, and distribute everywhere possible within a two mile radius. Find info about free templates HERE.
(4) Use Scent Items: articles such as your clothes and pet bedding will offer familiar smells to help them navigate home. If your pet escaped from home, use socks or a t-shirt you have worn, cut into strips and placed around the house and yard.
(5) Understand Lost Animal Behavior: it is essential to realize that a fearful or skittish pet in "survival mode" will often run from people, even their own family. Never chase a scared animal as it will only panic and run from you - read more about how to approach a scared dog HERE.
(6) Tag Your Vehicle: use glass markers to create a mobile billboard on your vehicle's windows, so while you are driving around your neighbors can be informed about a lost animal. See more about this useful tip HERE.
(7) Get the Word Out: adjust your Facebook settings to “public” so others can see and share, update your Facebook profile or cover photo with a lost pet flyer. Tag your neighbors and friends and start a Facebook page to raise awareness about this search effort.
(9) Order a Lost Pet Alert: There are several services such as FindToto.com which will contact nearby homes in your area. Visit their website and enter your location to target specific neighborhoods and streets.
(10) Walk & Talk: "Feet on the street" is the best way to get sightings while speaking with neighbors and residents. Distribute flyers and encourage them to call you immediately if they see your missing pet.
(11) Make Signs: create large neon-colored posters for your home and to place at nearby intersections. Please read this useful blog post about signage and placing them at intersections HERE.
(12) Diversify Your Efforts: your goal is to quickly reach as many people as possible (within the first 24-48 hours). Distribute flyers to local vet offices, groomers, feed stores, community associations, online message boards and area businesses, saturating the area within a 2-mile radius.
(13) Stay in Touch with Us: Follow our page posts as people may ask questions or might comment with information about a sighting.
Please share this information with your search team so everyone is on the same page and understands the need for an organized effort. Visit our Facebook page and read through the many tips collected in our albums for additional assistance.
Lost Pet PR was established to assist pet owners on Delmarva, and since 2011 we have helped recover hundreds of animals and reunited countless families. Now serving Sussex County (DE), lower shore counties of MD and the eastern shore of VA.
