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LOST PETS
Don't wait If you find an animal, get involved. It may be tempting to hope a wandering dog or cat will find its way home, but leaving an animal to fend for himself is just too risky. By intervening, you may be able to save his life. Dogs, cats, and other companion animals rely on people for care and protection - and that's especially true when they're lost. If you lose an animal, act quickly Thousands of animals brought to area shelters as "strays" are put to death because their owners don't come looking for them during the standard 72-hour stray holding period, and are bypassed by adopters looking for for new pets. Don't assume your missing companion will be back in a day or two, has been stolen, or has "gone off to die." It's far more likely that he is waiting for you to find him. Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing. How to search Shelters and Animal Control The services offered by these agencies vary, but all can offer advice. Start by calling animal control and the shelter for the area where the animal was lost or found. Ask to file a report. Inquire about the agencies that cover your neighborhood, and ask for suggestions on how to proceed with your search. If you have found an animal, it is best to take him to the local shelter. That's where his owners are most likely to look for him. You can still post signs, and file reports with other agencies, and continue to search for his family. But don't keep an animal in your home unless you are prepared to be very aggressive in your search for his family. If you have lost an animal, there is an extra, crucial step. Visit the shelters - and do it often. Looking in person is the only way to ensure that your pet does not become another tragic shelter statistic. Ask about records of animals found injured or dead. Signs Signs are a very effective tool for finding lost animals - or owners. Make them bold, with key words in large type. A photo or drawing of the animal is a big help. Distribute them door-to-door in the neighborhood where the animal was lost or found and post them at major intersections and along main streets in the area. Immediately place an ad in the major daily newspaper for your area. Continue to monitor the ads even if you have placed one yourself. Rewards Offering a reward on your posters and in ads may offer an incentive for people to become involved. Be cautious before giving money to anyone claiming to know the whereabouts of your animal. Cover the neighborhood and beyond Talk to passers-by and stop in at businesses in your area. Post signs and call for your animal as you go. Check alleys, playgrounds, parks, and roadside ditches. Cats are likely to become stranded in trees or shut in garages, storage sheds, or on rooftops. Don't forget to call local and emergency veterinary clinics and to enlist the help of letter carriers and delivery persons. It is not uncommon for animals to be found miles from where they were lost. Through ads, flyers, and visits to shelters, extend your search over the greatest possible territory. Be Thorough By using all available approaches, you can increase the odds of a happy reunion. Many animals are found weeks after they were lost. Don't give up. Don't let it happen again An ID tag can mean the difference between life and death for a dog or cat. Even "indoor-only" pets need tags. |
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Welfare Awareness Recommended Reading: You Can Save the Animals: 251 Ways to Stop Thoughtless Cruelty  |