- Once you’ve alerted the My Pet Street Community, print the poster that’s generated with your lost pet report and display around the area your pet was lost.
- If your pet is a “runner”, call your Animal Control facility immediately to alert them that they could be headed to a crowded street or highway.
- If your pet is not a “runner”, thoroughly check the immediate area where they were lost, especially if it’s near your home. Many pets get distracted very close to their home, and may have gotten themselves “stuck” in a garage, container, or odd enclosure.
- Place strongly scented items outside your home that will be attractive to your and keep calling out to them. Scent and sound are key senses used by animals.
- Walk the neighborhood with your pet’s favorite toys and treats, so you have something to coax them to you with once you find them.
- Give copies of the posters to neighbors you see on the street, especially if they are walking dogs themselves. Ask them to keep an eye out for your pet and let you know if they spot him/her.
- As you are out in the neighborhood, let local service providers you see know that your pet is missing – mail carriers, delivery drivers, utility workers.
- If you see your pet in the distance, do not run after them. Crouch down and call to them. This is not intuitive, but both cats and dogs will tend to run away if you rush toward them, no matter how much they love you.
- The My Pet Street Community members will be able to see updates and enter information on what they are able to do to help bring your pet home safely. Keep checking in with them so they can help you as much as possible.
Immediate Checklist
This list comprises the “first things first” actions to take the first moments when your pet goes missing. Being out in the neighborhood is your main priority, and is the best strategy for getting your pet back home to you as quickly as possible.
