For many of us, our pets are far more than just animals; They are part of our families. Their wellbeing, health and safety are of the utmost importance to us, so if they ever go missing it can be hugely upsetting and distressing. If you are ever in that awful situation where your pet goes missing then following these steps will hopefully have you reunited with them soon.
Get on the phone
The first thing that you should do is to get on the phone and notify your local council that your pet is missing. Next call all the local vets and animal shelters including the RSPCA on 1300 477 722.
Get online
Many local areas have lost pet and lost animal social media pages so get online and see if your pet has been located or list your pet as missing. It is also a good idea to post a photo and description of your missing pet on your own personal Facebook and Instagram page and ask family and friends to share it.
Search the neighbourhood
Ask family and friends to help you search your local community. Look in all the places that you normally visit with your pet in case they have wandered off into an area or place they are familiar with. Ask adults and children alike if they have seen your missing pet. Children are often far more observant than adults so don’t forget to check with any kids that you see. Use a torch to search small places that animals might hide or have got stuck in including under cars, in drain pipes, under porches or behind sheds.
Make “Missing Pet” posters
Print off a whole lot of “Missing Pet” posters and put them up in your local area including on telephone poles and public notice boards. Ask local shopkeepers to put them in their window and local schools to put them up in the playground.