What To Do When You Lose Your Pet

Losing your pet can be an extremely scary situation. An animal can escape in a matter of seconds. Be prepared by having your pet micro chipped and wearing an ID tag. These two simple steps often lead to a successful reunion with your pet. The staff at Acoma Animal Clinic and your Tucson Veterinarian, Dr. Richard Livingston, strongly recommend the following additional steps to increase the likelihood of finding your pets:

  1. Act quickly. Waiting a few days to see if your animal returns is a recipe for disaster.
  2. Leave out food and water.
  3. Search during the day and night. Sometimes pets rest during the day when they are lost, so nighttime searches are just as important.
  4. Call Animal Control, the Humane Society, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters in your area to see if a pet has been reported found.
  5. Check your local shelters DAILY. Most do not have the staffing to check to see if your pet is there. Don’t rely on shelter workers when your pet’s life may be at stake.
  6. Make flyers with your pet’s picture to post in your area. If your pet needs medication, be sure to list that on the flyer.
  7. Place an ad in the Classified’s section of local newspapers. These ads are sometimes free.
  8. Place an ad on Craigslist.
  9. Post on Facebook your pet’s information, your contact info, and a photo.
  10. Send an email to neighbors and friends and ask them to pass it on.

 ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN REUNITED WITH YOUR PET

  1. If your pet is not micro chipped, have it micro chipped as soon as possible. Remember to keep this information current.
  2. Email friends and post on Facebook that your pet has been found.
  3. Take down any flyers and discontinue ads that don’t automatically expire.