What to Do if Your Dog or Cat Goes Missing

Dogs and cats go missing more often than most people think. Knowing what to do before it happens will make your search more streamlined and increase your chances of being reunited with your best friend.

What could be scarier than having your dog or cat go missing? We may think that with everything we do to keep our companions safe, it could never happen to us. But there are no guarantees, so it’s a good idea to know what to do if the unthinkable should ever happen. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through searching for a lost dog or cat, and optimize the chances of his safe return home.

MAKE SURE YOUR DOG OR CAT HAS ID

One of the most crucial steps you can take before your best friend goes missing is making sure he has identification. This can help ensure a safer and speedier return.

Get him microchipped. Keep all your contact information (address, phone number, email) up to date for the microchip company, so if your dog or cat is found by someone else, a shelter or veterinary hospital will be able to scan him and identify you as his “parent”. In the event your dog or cat gets lost, immediately inform the microchip company so they can also be alerted if your animal is found.
A collar tag bearing your name and contact info adds another layer of protection to the microchip. But keep in mind that tags can fall off and get lost, so they’re not failsafe.
Purchasing a small GPS tracker for your dog or cat to wear on his collar is also beneficial. Pawfit is one company that specializes in GPS trackers for animals.

FIRST STEPS AND MEASURES

Whether or not your dog or cat has ID when/if he does go missing, there are things you can do to help him get home again:

Leave out some tasty food, water, and an article of clothing or blanket with your scent on it. These items can help your dog or cat hone in on your property as he tries to find his way back home.
Contact family, friends, and neighbors for help and support with your search, and expand the search area to more than just your local neighborhood.
When talking to neighbors, strangers, or business owners, describe your dog or cat’s appearance, coat color, and any unique features or markings (coat patterns, etc.). Also mention any medical issues so people are aware of the urgency in finding him.
Put up bold posters in nearby neighborhoods and communities. Posters should include current color pictures of your dog or cat — try to include both a closeup along with a photo showing his whole body. Along with your contact info, include pertinent details on his breed, behavior around strangers, and key medical issues.
Keep calling out your dog or cat’s name (including nicknames) as you search.
Contact animal shelters and rescues in local and nearby communities, as well as veterinary clinics, emergency hospitals, and kennels. You can call, email, and/or drop off posters to keep them informed. This will be invaluable if someone brings in your animal to check for a microchip.
Go on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms to quickly spread the word that your best friend is missing. You can also reach out to local radio stations and newspapers.
Last but not least, do not give up!

STAY IN CONTACT

Some shelters and pounds will only keep found dogs and cats for a short period (72 hours is common) before offering them up for adoption, or taking other difficult measures. This means you need to remain in frequent contact by visiting or calling these facilities to check for your dog or cat — every 24 to 48 hours at least.

REWARD OR NO REWARD?

Many people offer rewards for the safe return of their missing dogs or cats, although money doesn’t guarantee your animal will be found. If you decide to offer a reward, it’s best to not put a specific amount on your posters or ads. You should also know how to identify potential scammers who are after the money but don’t actually have your dog or cat.

WHAT IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS STOLEN?

Sadly, companion animal theft is on the rise. If this happens to your dog or cat, it’s vital to take swift action and file a report with the local police and sheriff’s department, on top of the other steps outlined in the article.

If you witness an individual stealing your pet, your first reaction might be to go after them – but for your own safety and that of your dog or cat, don’t confront them without a police officer or animal control officer present.

JENNY – A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

In 2017, our beloved dog, Jenny, went missing for 12 days. We frantically tried to find her by creating flyers, advertising on PawBoost (an online tool that helps people find or report missing animals), and contacting numerous animal shelters and vets in Southern California. We received a variety of supportive responses, one of which suggested Jenny may have been hit by a car.

Thankfully, Jenny was found 40 miles away by a family who took her to the vet to check for a microchip. We were immediately contacted, and so grateful to have our best friend back home, safe and sound. It was her microchip that brought Jenny back to us, although having extra tools and resources was very helpful in expanding our search.

If your dog or cat ever goes missing, starting your search sooner rather than later will raise the possibility of finding him. But don’t give up hope even if it takes days, weeks, or even months. And know that you’re not alone — reach out for help, and remember you are doing everything you can to bring your best friend home!