MoreTips to Find Fido
What do you do when your pet is lost?
We've all been there. You get distracted for a minute and realize that the front door, garage door or back gate has been left open. Hopefully, you've caught it before your pet gets loose.
However, that's not always the case. Many of our companion animals have gotten used to a pretty comfy, spoiled life (that's why we exist, after all!)
So, it's hard to imagine them out in the world, face-to-face with untold dangers, all by themselves. Here are some useful tips on how to reunite with your pet as quickly as possible!
Be prepared
A sturdy collar and ID tag is a great start, but collars can fall off and ID tags fade. If your pet gets found without any identification, most people these days know to check for a microchip. According to VIP Petcare, "microchipped pets are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners." Give your pet their best chance to get home and make sure they're chipped in addition to a good collar and ID tag. Many Wag N' Wash Natural Food & Grooming locations host veterinary groups that can quickly perform microchipping. Ask a team member if this is available at your location!
Search high and low
A lot of pets don't venture too far from home when they get out. As soon as you notice your pet is missing, organize as many people as you can to go out and look for them. Family members and neighbors are familiar with the area and can help cover a lot of ground quickly. Hand out some of your pet's favorite food or treats to everyone in the search party. While your pet is familiar with you, they may hesitate to approach a neighbor and treats can help.
Spread the word
If your initial search comes up empty, start reaching out to the community. Call your local Humane Society to check if your pet has been picked up, or file a missing pet report so that they can notify you if your pet comes in. You can also create a post on Facebook or Twitter and ask your followers to repost it. Social media is a great way to spread the word about something to your local community. Craigslist also has a lost pets section that you can post in.
Get creative
Have a great photo of your pet? Make a poster! Ask to put it up in local pet stores, dog parks or veterinary offices. A visual will help people associate a pet they see on the street with the one they saw on the poster. Make sure all the important info like breed, age, sex, coloring and weight are clearly listed. Put pull-off tabs at the bottom of the sheet so that people can take your contact info with them. If you're able to, consider a reward you can offer. A reward can grab people's attention and encourage them to take the time to turn in more leads.
Don't give up!
The most important thing is to stay positive. Sometimes all these efforts won't end in immediate results. It can take time to find a lost pet. However, the internet is full of stories about pets finding their way home after days, weeks or even months of being away! For more products and advice to help keep your pet secure at home, talk to a team member at your locally owned and operated Wag N' Wash!
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