What To Do
In Case You Loose Your Pet
By Kadence Buchanan
According to the most recent Synovate
pet survey (Sept. 2005), conducted in nine markets across
the globe, the UK and the US were shown to be the two
absolute leaders in pet ownership. But the world-wide
annual statistics on missing pets are shocking. Over 10
million pets go missing every year and millions never make
it back home. This short rescue guide was compiled in
order to minimize the chances of you ever having to file a
missing pet report and to provide to all US pet-lovers a
comprehensive list of the things one should know and do
before and after his/her independent companion decides to
migrate and explore the unknown. Just read carefully the
tips that follow keeping in mind that you should not get
discouraged or panic if your pet disappears. By following
our advice and keeping yourself organized and prepared at
all times, the chances are that you will be reunited with
your lost friend again soon.
Plan ahead: Create
an emergency action list and keep it handy in house or
car. Check frequently your pet's neck to ensure that the
collar is in place and that its rabies tag and pet license
tag are there; apart from pet's ID your current phone
number should appear. If your pet carries a microchip or a
tattoo have that number with you all the time (in your
wallet). Make sure you have recent reliable photos of your
pet. Create a pet file on your PC with pet web directories
and have all the local pet authorities' telephone numbers
also in print. Keep an updated map of your area with your
emergency pet kit. Frequently check your locks, doors,
windows and fence for possible escape passages. Do not
trust strangers and never leave your pet unattended
outside stores or inside vehicles. Register your pet to
the available services of your area; you will save
precious time if your pet becomes lost.
Your pet is
missing: Check everywhere you can and do it quickly! Ask
friends, neighbors and local pet authorities to assist you
in your search. Create and distribute flyers including
your pet's pictures and your phone number and never state
the exact amount if you decide to offer a reward or your
real name and house address. Scan your neighborhood and
give a copy of the missing pet's flyer to everyone you
meet, asking them to call you in case they see or hear
anything. Have a real live person or if that is impossible
a telephone recording machine answering the phone. Check
all the clinics of your area frequently and visit the
local shelters in person everyday. Befriend the employees
and request their assistance. Inform the local
veterinarian offices and the police. Provide all the
details they need, but leave a few of your pet's
characteristics out. These will later help you identify
whether the person claiming to have found your pet has
actually your companion in his/her possession. Never visit
by yourself someone that called and reported to have your
pet. Take a friend with you or arrange to meet in a public
place or the police department. Contact the local media
and create a publicity fuss. Publicize your pet's
disappearance via the internet and local newspapers. Check
the 'found pet' section of your local newspapers daily.
Most importantly, do not give up hope. Keep looking and
good luck!
Your pet is back:
Once reunited with your pet, of extreme importance is for
you to discover what circumstances allowed it to escape
and perform any necessary changes to prevent a similar
incident from happening again. Do not forget to call your
neighbors, friends, local veterinarian clinics and
shelters, to inform them that your pet is back. Of course,
always remember to keep a collar and a current
identification tag on your pet at all times, even when
they are in your house. Your pet's ID is actually its
ticket home. |
