Finding A Lost Pet

Cats can dash out of a door or dogs can bolt through a gate very quickly, especially if you have your hands full. If your dog or cat does get out, start searching immediately. Don’t wait to see if your pet will return on her own!

Begin your search in the area where the animal escaped.

When looking for your dog, bring along a leash and treats. Some dogs, especially the herding breeds such as Border Collies or Australian Cattle Dogs, or herding breed mixes, are likely to run a circular perimeter of the neighborhood. Most dogs will not run hard in a straight line away from your home, unless they are sight hounds, such as Afghans or Salukis, or sight hound mixes, lured by something they see in the distance. Concentrate on a 5 or 6 square block area. Frightened dogs may be hiding or locked in someone’s yard or garage, so listen for revealing sounds.

When looking for your cat, bring along a cat carrier. Cats are extremely territorial, and your cat’s territory is defined by the location of other cats in your neighborhood. If you know where outdoor cats live in your neighborhood, you can focus your search for your cat in areas other cats do not usually frequent.

When you see your dog or cat, avoid the urge to chase him. You do not want to inadvertently send him into the street and harm’s way. The animal may not be as frightened as you and may be viewing it as a grand canine or feline adventure. Many dogs enjoy the game of chase, and you probably can’t outrun a dog or a cat. Offer your pet a special treat or, for dogs, open the car door and offer to take him for a ride.

If you haven’t located your pet after an hour or two of searching your neighborhood, call the shelters in your area and give them a complete description of your missing pet.

You can make color posters at a copy center. Use a photo of the pet and add a description, state where the animal was lost and offer a financial reward for the safe return of your pet. Put posters up in your neighborhood and check door-to-door. Widen your search by giving posters to mail carriers, regular delivery people, local stores, pet stores and veterinary offices.

Within 24 hours, visit all of the local public shelter to look for your lost friend. Don’t assume your pet knows geography and will only go to the shelter that has the public contract for your neighborhood. The shelters in our area that have public funding to pick up and hold stray animals are Peninsula Humane Society, Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley, Palo Alto Animal Services and the San Martin Shelter. Leave a copy of your poster at each shelter and follow up with visits every four calendar days. In California, public shelters are required to hold strays dogs and cats for 4 business days, not including the day of impoundment, if the shelter is open one week day until 7 PM or one weekend day.

If your furry friend does get lost, don’t give up too soon. Someone could be caring for your best friend and just waiting for you to identify yourself as the caregiver.

The best safeguard for finding a lost pet is having your best friend microchipped for permanent identification and to always keep an identification tag on the pet’s collar. Another important safety step you can take today is to introduce all the members of your family, including your furry members, to your neighbors. Neighbors who recognize and know your whole household by name are a great safety precaution for the entire family.

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, July 6, 2002