It is a terrifying thought, but accidents happen and so many pet owners have found themselves in the situation of losing their pet.
Instant panic starts to run through your body. Are they safe? What if they wander onto a street with busy traffic or into an area with a wildlife population?
Stay calm and act fast.
It is important to act fast if you have lost your pet.
First of all, check your surroundings.
This can be your neighbors yards, a local park, or a location the animal is familiar with. Think about if you were your pet, where would you go?
When animals get out they might be too frightened to go far from home, walk or drive around your neighborhood and look under cars and in bushes and trees.
Next, Contact local animal shelters and rescues.
Someone may see your pet and take them to a safe place. The Humane Society of the United States suggests calling every shelter within a 60 mile radius of your home and to visit as often as possible.
Utilize social media and your community.
Many cities have online forums where you can make a post regarding your missing pet.
Post fliers in your neighborhood and alert neighbors so they can also keep an eye out for your pet. Include any unique markings and behavior on your posts so rescuers know what to look for. Examples include a spot on an animals head, what names they respond to, if they are timid around people or if they bite.
Stay positive and persistent
It is still possible to be reunited with your pets long after they are lost! Sometimes people find a lost animal and not bring them to a shelter or report it. Stay positive.
To be prepared in this situation, make sure to take plenty of pictures of your animal (if you don’t already).
It is a lot easier for someone to help you look for your animal if they have an accurate idea of what they are looking for.
Wait for to contacted
A secure collar with a current phone number is the easiest tool for good samaritans to use to return your pet.
While a microchip may take a little more time, it is a permanent form of identification and a rescue or vets office will be able to scan for a microchip.
The thought of losing your animal is tough but it is important to be prepared and know the proper steps to reunite you and your pet.
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