Steps to help in search for missing pets

In 2008, 56 percent of the 3,000 animals arriving at the Lynchburg Humane Society were considered strays. Sadly, only 18 percent were ever reclaimed by their owners. While the LHS does take in plenty of truly homeless animals, many that arrive as strays originally came from home environments.

It makes sense, then, that the first place you should look for your lost pet is the local animal shelter. The key is to look regularly, every two to three days, and even expand the search to other shelters and rescue groups. Additionally, there are several other steps that will help you in your search.

Cats

Start searching immediately, beginning with your own property. Cats tend to remain close by but hidden and quiet for protection. They often seek shelter under porches, outbuildings, bushes and in the smallest of hiding places. Once you’ve covered your property, methodically comb your neighborhood, alerting your neighbors as you go. No luck? The next step is to place baited humane traps. If your cat is extremely scared, however, it may be a days before she is hungry enough to venture out.

Dogs

Again, start your search as soon as you realize your pooch is missing. Waiting to see if he will return on his own can waste valuable time. Check areas where your dog could be trapped or injured. Unlike most cats, dogs often roam. If frightened, they may run blindly for miles and then look for a place where they can avoid humans.

In general

Kat Albrect, author of “The Lost Pet Chronicles,” offers good advice about flyers. Use large fluorescent poster board and a giant, black permanent marker. In five-inch letters, write “REWARD,” and “LOST [CAT].” Attach a plastic sheet protector in which you seal a paper displaying a brief description of your pet in large font (ex. ORANGE TABBY GREEN COLLAR). Include phone numbers, vicinity, and details of appearance and temperament in smaller lettering. Finally, add a recent, good-quality photo. Securely place your posters at major intersections within a two- to-five-mile radius of the escape point. Create smaller flyers to hand out to neighbors and post at local shops.

Place ads in newspapers and monitor “found pet” ads. Finally, don’t give up! Albrect reminds us that it can take weeks, even months to locate a missing animal.

Prevention

All dogs and cats should wear collars with identification and be implanted with a microchip. Keep updated photos at home, in your wallet, and at your veterinarian’s office. Your pets should also be spayed and neutered. Unsterilized animals are especially likely to wander.

Many animals have been lost because they were not restrained properly. A pet can easily be thrown from a vehicle in an accident or squeeze through a half-open car window. And keep in mind that no matter how well you know your pets, they can behave unpredictably. Every day well-trained dogs run away while being walked off-leash or on a leash not attached to a nonslip (martingale) collar.

Finally, even if your area does not have a leash law, your animals should never roam free or be left outside when you are not at home. Not only are they more likely to become lost, but pets are often stolen for a variety of horrifying reasons.

Our companion animals must rely solely on us for care. We owe it to our faithful friends to ensure they live happy, healthy and safe lives.

-Holland serves on the Lynchburg Humane Society’s Board of Directors and is a volunteer for various animal welfare causes.