Check their microchip details are up to date
The contact details on your pet’s microchip should always be kept up to date. If your pet has gone missing and you aren’t sure if the details are correct, speak to your veterinary practice who may have a record of their chip number or check on your pet’s vaccination card which may have the number noted. You can check which database your pet’s chip is registered with using the Homeagain database. When you have made sure your details are up to date, you can also flag with the microchip database that your pet is missing.
Try to tempt them home
You may be inclined to leave food or a litter tray outside to try to tempt a lost pet home, but this is more likely to attract (other) cats and wildlife. Leave items outside that smell of you and your house such as blankets, pet beds or your own clothing.
Speak to your neighbours
This is especially important for outdoor cats that like to explore their surroundings. Well-meaning neighbours may have been feeding your cat or even offering them a place to sleep if they thought they were a stray.
Cats may also seek shelter in inclement weather in sheds and garages and become trapped, ask neighbours to check theirs just in case.
It’s also worth making your neighbours aware if your dog has gone missing, although they are less likely to have become trapped somewhere, the more eyes are looking for them, the better.
Use social media
Check local Facebook community groups to see if anyone has spotted your pet or found them and handed them to a local vet practice or rescue centre. You can also make your own post asking people to be on the lookout for your pet, with a photo of them and your phone number.
Lost Dogs can be registered on the DogsLost website. Lost cats can be registered on Rosie’s register.
Contact organisations for assistance
There are people who are willing to help look for lost pets, especially dogs. DroneSAR is a group of volunteer drone operators who operate free of charge to help locate lost pets. You can also speak to rescue centres and animal charities who may be able to help with specialist trapping equipment to secure lost and frightened animals.
Call local vets and rescue centres
Check to see if your pet has been handed in. At Heathfield Vets we keep a database of any reported lost pets in case they are brought in to us, and many other vets and rescue centres do the same. For dogs, you can also contact Wealden Animal Wardens on 01424 490034.
Advertise
Consider putting up posters in local businesses and emailing details of your lost pet to veterinary practices, kennels, catteries and rescue centres. You may also want to put posters up on lampposts, just make sure to note down where they are so you can remove them at a later date.
Speak to your insurance company
Many insurance policies include cover for advertising costs to find your lost pet.
Call us on 01435 864422 if your pet has gone missing and would like to register their details with us.
