How To Find a Lost Pet

A lost or stolen pet may never be found, but there are steps you can take to cut the risk:

• Do not allow your pet to roam unsupervised.

• Always keep your pet tagged. A City license is traceable 24 hours a day!

• Take immediate action. Don't wait for your pet to come home on its own.

• Be sure you are thoroughly familiar with your pet's identifying characteristics. Note color, sex, coat markings, and any other individual characteristics.

• Pets--cats especially--sometimes hide in out-of-the-way spots such as attics, basements, and sheds. Be sure to completely search your premises.

• Contact all area humane societies, animal shelters, and animal control offices, leaving a detailed description and phone numbers. Because descriptions are difficult to interpret, please present a picture and check the facilities often.

• Blanket the area with flyers quickly; photocopy at least 200. Offer a reward, but don't list an amount to avoid calls from people who might not really have your pet. Use a photograph of the pet that will reproduce well on flyers.

• Be aware that an animal lost with a collar may not be wearing it when found--word the flyer accordingly. Post flyers wherever you can and be sure to include shelters, veterinary clinics, and groomers. Check on the flyers after they are posted to ensure they have not been removed.

• Search your neighborhood. Talk to children, mail carriers, shopkeepers, and neighbors.

• Use the papers placing lost ads as well as checking the found column. If you suspect your pet was stolen, check the "pets for sale" column too.

• Call the local radio stations. Some announce "lost pet" information on the air.

• Don't give up easily. Pets have been returned to their owners even after long periods of time.