How to Find a Lost Pet

Recently, I had an email exchange with Jennifer Kimball, of Cool People Care Premium Partner Girls on the Run, who was helping a friend look for a lost pet. In that process, Jennifer compiled a list of 10 things to do if your pet goes missing.

1. Post your missing pet on Pet Finder. Look under classified ads, look for lost, and post there. A photo is always helpful. Be sure to list your state.

2. See if there are local pet finding web sites you can post to.

3. Put together a poster with basic info. Be sure to include a large photo of your pet with name, where and why they became lost, and a phone number (put cell first). Include phrases like “Call Anytime Night or Day” or “Reward.” Take this information to local shelters. Ask to go and actually look at all the strays brought in. Do this everyday or enlist someone to help you.

4. If your animal is purebred, search online for a nearby breed rescue group. Someone may have found and offered the dog to the closest breed rescue group, which could still be hundreds of miles away!

5. List an ad on Craigslist under Lost. List it everyday with slightly different wording.

6. See if smaller local newspapers will give you free classified space, or take out a paid ad in a larger newspaper.

7. Put your posters up in your neighborhood and beyond, especially at major intersections and grocery stores. Take flyers in your area door-to-door.

8. Take or fax it to every vet within 10 miles of your house.

9. Send your poster to Yahoo groups and make sure to list your information on sites like Facebook as well.

10. Consult a pet communicator. Good ones have helped many people recover their dogs.

What tips do you have for finding a lost pet?