What to do When Your Pet Runs Away

1. Call all the local pet shelters within a 30 mile radius and file a lost pet report with each one. Provide the shelters with a photograph and information on your pet as well as your contact information.
2. Search your own property thoroughly; small dogs and cats can sometimes be hiding underneath a deck or in a garage.
3. Search your neighborhood daily asking anyone if they have seen your pet. Make sure to leave your contact information with them in case they find your pet.
4. Post advertisements around your neighborhood complete with a picture and description of your pet as well as your contact information.
5. If someone calls claiming to have found your pet, make sure they describe one identifying characteristic on the animal that was not posted in the description in order to avoid scammers looking for a reward.
6. Always make your pet wear his collar and ID tag with contact information to make it easier for someone to contact you if found.
7. Talk to your veterinarian about having a microchip placed in your pet. The microchip is implanted behind the pet's neck and can be scanned for the owner's information if he or she is turned into a shelter or veterinarian without their collar.