Finding a lost pet.

I got a call at the shop today for a missing dog. I can't even imagine how that woman feels right now. But, I decided to compile a list of tips from various sources, on how to find your missing pet.



Get your friends and family involved. The first thing you need to do is start looking in the immediate area and informing your neighbors to be on the lookout. Have someone make some fliers and get those posted ASAP while you're looking. A color photo of your pet is a good idea as well as the word "REWARD" being featured very prominently on the flier. It's sad, but that usually grabs peoples' attention. Hang the fliers in prominent places and distribute to neighbors as well. When I lost a cat a couple of years ago, I left fliers on the porches of every neighbor in atleast a five block radius. I stopped and asked anyone I saw if they'd seen Tuxedo. I may have been annoying but I got lots of calls about black and white cat spottings. If it's a cat that you're looking for, ask people to look in garages or sheds, and under porches. A scared cat will hide, especially one that isn't used to being outside. Please remember to remove the fliers when you find your pet.



If your missing pet is a cat, leave a litterbox on your porch. If it's a dog, leave their bed or a shirt that you've worn so they can follow the scent home.



Frequently check your local shelters and rescues. Ask your local animal control or animal welfare organization how often they recommend checking back. Most will say atleast daily. Check in person and post a lost report or flier if able to.



Check on-line sites and post reports on Craig's list (lost and found section), petfbi.org, missingpets.org, lost-pets.org, lostapet.org, petfinder.com (local/classified section), and franklincountyohio.gov/commisioners/ancl (lost and found). Also, call local Veterinarians and ask to FAX or drop off a flier, call pet stores, groomers, boarding facilities and dog daycares.



Purchase an ad in the classified section of the local papers and don't forget to offer a reward. Whatever you can afford is helpful.



I know personally how frustrating and saddening it is as times goes by, but please don't give up. I found my cat six months later when everyone else had given up on her. It's not unusual to find that your pet has been living comfortable a few blocks over, like Tuxedo.



Here's a few phone numbers for you:



Bexley Animal Control 614-239-8881

Capital Area Humane Society 614-777-7387

Cat Welfare 614-268-6096

Citizens for Humane Action 614-891-5280

Franklin County Dog Shelter 614-462-4361

Grandview Animal Control 614-488-3157

MedVet 614-846-5800

OSU Vet Hospital 614-292-3551

Upper Arlington Animal Control 614-583-5411

Whitehall Animal Control 614-237-6333 (ext. 12)

Worthington Animal Control 614-885-4463