Here are 5-Steps to Help Get Your Pet Home Safely:
1. Act fast! The sooner you begin your search, the better the odds of finding them. Search your neighborhood or the area where your pet was lost and let people know you have a missing pet. Check with local neighborhood groups on Nextdoor, Ring, Facebook (City Buzz), and Pawboost. Make sure to include clear photos of your pet and provide as much information (cross streets, breed, gender, coloring/markings, etc.) as possible.
2. Contact your local animal shelter every day they are missing. Don't just call -- also visit the shelters to search for your pet. Only you really know what your pet looks like, and many animals are difficult to describe over the phone. Consider also contacting local veterinary offices to describe your pet and post flyers in their offices.
3. Confirm that your dog's microchip information is up-to-date. Updated information should include your name and phone number so that you can easily be contacted. Some commonly used microchip sites include Home Again, Avid, or FreePetRegistry.com. According to Home Again, microchips may be the quickest and easiest way to be reunited with your dog, since shelters and veterinarian offices can scan the chip to retrieve your information.
4. Make and distribute lost pet posters. Just like your neighborhood social media groups, include a clear photo of your pet and provide contact information in the event that they're found.
5. Don't give up! Be diligent in your search and ask for help.
How to ensure that your pet is never lost again -- It is so important to microchip your pet. A small fee can save you a lifetime of heartache in the event that your furry friend goes missing. A microchip is the only permanent identification form that can reunite you with your beloved pet, and unlike collars and other ID tags, which can break, or become worn, a microchip will last for the life of your pet.