Lost or Missing Pet? Proven Strategies to Help You Bring Them Home

Coming home to discover that a member of your family has disappeared is traumatic and heart-wrenching. Poles and trees all over America are littered with signs asking if you've seen this dog, cat, bird, etc. Chances are there are hundreds of these signs in your area and that you are driving by them every day. I would like to share with you some tips for more effectively advertising your lost pet and give you a few tools to empower you on your search.

1.) Think positively. I know this is hard as the tears are running down your face, but it may be the most important part. You need to be strong enough to spearhead what could be a very long search and your baby needs you to be strong and organized. So get it together and focus your energy. Visualize your animal in a safe loving environment, just waiting for you to come and get him. This is so important for you because it will help you be more on task. It's also critical for your pet. Studies have shown over and over that our pets, especially dogs, are connected to us in ways that cannot be explained. They feel us, even when we're separated from them. So being calm and positive will help your dog feel calmer and less panicky.

2.) Call in the troops. Call family, friends, coworkers, neighbors. Get a plan going and some people to help you execute it.

3.) Call the Humane Society and the county animal control. Let them know that your animal is missing and ask them to be on the lookout for anyone bringing in a new animal.

4.) Call the three vets closest to your house and let them know what your animal looks like and to be on the alert for an injured animal being brought in.

5.) Download a map of your neighborhood within a three mile radius. Put your pen down on your house and begin a spiral pattern that encompasses all of the streets in your neighborhood and all of the major intersections that lead into your area. Major intersections are critical to your plan.

6.) Begin making signs. (Please see Part Two of this series.)

Go to the animal shelters every three days and do a visual check yourself, do not rely on the phone and internet. Post on ads on Craigslist and Petfinder. Knock on your neighbors' doors and keep asking if they have seen them. Lots of lost animals are found by kind people who decide to keep them. Many animals that are frightened end up running until they are exhausted and then they search for help. Most averages put that distance at three miles, but if your dog is a runner you might want to post signs four to eight miles out. Leave copies of your pet's photo and your info with every vet within your town limits. Don't fax them, they will disregard that as they get a lot of junk sales on their fax machines. Send it to them in the mail or drop your info off in person.

And don't give up. Persevere. Your pet wouldn't give up on you. Don't give up on them. Good luck to you and your pet. Our dog was found because of these strategies and as a direct result of our signs. It took two and half months, but he came home safe and sound.