Ask for help as quickly as possible...
CATS:
- On Facebook, Twitter and any other social media site - post photos, description, name and location
- Put flyers through local doors: not everyone looks at social media. Ask your neighbours to check gardens and outbuildings
- Contact delivery companies that were in the vicinity and ask for drivers to check vans
- Put a used litter tray outside
- Hang your cat’s favourite bed/bedding, unwashed, on a washing line outside
- Put an item of your own clothing, unwashed, outside
- If your cat is partial to the smell of fish or chicken cooking, then cook this with the windows open
- If the cat is micro-chipped, inform the company that the pet is missing and keep the details up-to-date even if there is no sign for a long time; cats have been found and identified through microchips after several years
- Contact local vets to ask them to be alert in case a stranger takes your cat to them
- Call your cat frequently, search under bushes in case it is injured and unable to come to you
- It’s not always a good idea to take willing helpers with you when calling, as the cat is more likely to come to you if you are alone. However, helpers could search apart from you, to cover a larger area.
DOGS:
- For lost dogs the same procedure can be applied, but social media/flyers through doors is far and above the best course of action, and as all dogs are microchipped, the company must be informed
- If you believe the dog has simply run off, then try putting some dog treats outside to tempt and guide it back
- Check all the nearby places you dog likes to go for a walk.
RABBITS/GUINEA PIGS/FERRETS and other animals:
- Again, for the smaller furries, we’d recommend local flyers and social media as the most effective options
- Try putting favourite treats in the hutch or run.
Don’t give up hope: your animal may be trying to get back to you
