Five Things to do When your Pet Goes Missing

Provided by Lisa Lagos

Lisa Lagos is manager of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Animal Care and Adoption Center in Dedham, located at 55 Anna’s Place. If you are interested in adopting an animal, please call (781) 326-0729 or visit www.arlboston.org.

Your pet is missing. A sick feeling develops in the pit of your stomach, your mind races, and you imagine the worst. Don’t panic, but act fast. Take these five steps to get your best friend back.

1. Know your numbers
   Immediately report your pet missing to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham branch (781-326-0729), and, in the case of a missing dog, the town of Dedham’s Canine Control Office (781-751-9106), and the MSPCA Animal Shelter (617-522-5055). Be prepared to tell them your pet’s name, sex, breed, color, approximate weight, age, and any distinguishing characteristics. If possible, visit these agencies to supply them with a recent photo of your pet and to get to know the staff.
    

2. Act locally
   Most pets go missing close to home. Visit the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s “Lost Animal Resource Guide” at www.massanimalcoalition.org  for helpful guidelines. Enlist neighbors (especially other pet owners), store owners, postal carriers, sanitation engineers, crossing guards, police officers, veterinary offices, and smaller local pet shelters and/or rescue organizations in your search. The more eyes searching for your lost pet, the better the chances of him returning home.
    

3. Form a posse
   Frightened or lost animals will often hide under or behind porches, alcoves and other out of the way spaces. Ask family and friends who know your pet to help you search out potential hiding spots.
    

4. Pull out all the stops
   Don’t let too much time pass before beginning your search – especially when it comes to cats. Unlike dogs, people are less apt to report seeing an outdoor cat because they presume its owner lives nearby. Create a flyer with a recent color photo of your pet, his or her name, sex, breed, color, approximate weight, age, and any distinguishing markings. Don’t forget to include the date your pet went missing and your preferred phone number (don’t include your name or address to avoid potential scams). The Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s website has an excellent template available in their “Lost Animal Resource Guide.” Post flyers at eye level within a one mile radius of where your pet went missing: on telephone poles, at local stores, in vet offices and pet shops, and on community bulletin boards such as those at grocery stores. You might also consider going door-to-door and hand out flyers in your neighborhood.
    

5. Be prepared
   Have your pet’s current information and a recent color photo handy. Update it every six months to one year and keep it in case the unimaginable happens.

Of course, the best strategy is to prevent pet loss in the first place. Pet-proof your home and yard. Always leash your dog and use a carrier for your cat when traveling. Collar and tag your pet with his or her name, a current phone number, and current rabies vaccination and contact your town/municipal government to ask about licensing your dog. Get to know neighborhood pet and business owners. Consider microchip placement (which is especially important for cats because, unlike dogs, city governments don’t typically license them.) Finally, spay or neuter your pet because “fixed” animals are less likely to wander in the first place.