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The longer a pet is missing, however, the greater its risk of becoming ill or being hit by a car. Here’s what to do.
Immediate Response
- Comb your house and garden Do not assume that your pet will respond to your frantic calls, so check your property thoroughly, including inside wardrobes, sheds – even crawl spaces and drains. If your dog went missing while off leash, return to where you last saw it.
- Check the neighbourhood Leave a description and a phone number with your neighbours – and ask them to check any outbuildings.
- Make familiar noises As you walk around, call your pet’s name, rattle a box of treats, squeeze a squeaky toy or use an ultrasonic whistle – they work for both cats and dogs.
- Attract with scent Animals can find their way by smell, so place some strongly scented items – such as its bedding – outside your home.
For Longer Absences
- Call local animal shelters, vets, animal control agencies and emergency animal hospitals further afield. Also contact your local council – some councils have their own facilities where they take missing pets.
- Make a poster with a description, a photo, the date your pet went missing and where it was last seen. Place it so it can also be seen by passing cars.
- Place an ad in the local paper.
- If your pet is microchipped, make sure your contact details are up to date on the relevant microchip registry.
