pet pages
What to do if your pet is lost
from Metro Creative Connection
Pets are beloved members of the family . Pets provide unconditional love and companionship to their owners . When a pet goes missing , it can be devastating for their owners , who want to bring their companion animals home to safety as soon as possible .
Lost Pet Research & Recovery and PurringPal indicate at least 14 percent of dog owners lose their pets in a five-year period , while 15 percent of cat owners lose their pets . The ASPCA indicates that around one in three pets will go missing in their lifetimes . While Lost Pet Research & Recovery says only 6 percent of dogs are not recovered , a much larger percentage of cats ( 34 ) are never found . Therefore , pet owners should take certain steps to prevent lost pets and to help recover them quickly .
Train your dog
Well-trained dogs who respond well to basic commands like “ sit ,” “ stay ” and “ come ” may be recovered more easily . That ’ s because you can call for your dog — who may not have ventured too far — and have him or her return to you , according to Pasadena Humane . Also , people who come across your dog can offer simple commands to sit and stay , and then the dog can be safely leashed .
Update identification
The more forms of identification a pet has , the better the chances for recovery . While a collar with ID tags is essential , microchipping is an additional safeguard . Be sure to routinely update the microchip database with your current phone number and address .
Act quickly
Don ’ t waste hours or days waiting for a pet to return home . The sooner you begin searching the area , the better the odds of finding the pet . Start with the immediate area right outside your home and branch out from there .
Check nooks and crannies Pets may become frightened of noises or escape homes to chase other animals . American Humane urges owners to look for places the pet may become trapped , such as in basements or garages . Other places to look include under vehicles . Pets may hide during the day , so return to areas at night . Bring along a toy or treat that may lure the pet out of hiding .
Check with shelters
Pets can be picked up and brought to animal welfare organizations or even law enforcement agencies . Pets that are wearing tags or are microchipped may have their owners notified . Animals without identification will sit unless the owner comes to recover the pet . Check shelters every two days .
Activate a lost pet alert
Pets can be registered with the microchipping service AKC Reunite . Pet owners can call 800-252-7894 to let the service know their pet is lost and to enable an operator to create a “ Lost Pet Alert .”
Notify locals
Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward . Also check found animal ads that may be close to your pet ’ s description .
Pets can go missing , but with fast action and advanced planning , they can be recovered .
46 Valdosta Scene | July 2022