One of the most frightening, gut wrenching feelings is discovering that your pet has gone missing. It can creep up quite slowly, as you go out into your neighborhood, calling their name. Panic sets in as the minutes tick by.
Being prepared for this situation is the best idea. Of course, pets should be microchipped and wear an identification tag on their collar, but there is more to being ready for this emergency.
First, make sure you have a current picture of your pet. Sure, we all have those great puppy shots, with Sparky digging up the garden, or wearing the raindeer antlers at Christmas, but do we have a picture on hand that accurately depicts the likeness of our pet. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is true. A couple of pictures of your pet from the front and both sides is best, and of course stored in a place that is easy to access. If your dog has seasonal looks, depending on his hair cut, then a few sets of pictures are in order. Make note of any distinguishing marks or features, such as a chipped tooth.
The next step is to make up a poster with the information and picture included. Many computer buffs can scan in the picture, so enlist some help or visit a local copy center. List your phone number and make sure you check your messages frequently. This poster can be put around your neighborhood and also sent to Veterinary hospitals and Animal Shelters. Often a Good Samaritan will take your pet into a Veterinary hospital if they find it injured, and your poster will help identify it quickly. Take the time to drop the posters off in person, to make sure they are informed immediately. If you are unable to do this, calling the clinic and asking if you can fax the poster to them is the next quickest alternative.
Call the Veterinary hospital that your rabies tag is listed under and call the Microchip Company. It would be a good idea to borrow a cell phone for a few days and have this number on all information. By having the phone numbers of the local animal control office, your Veterinarian, and surrounding animal shelters already put together with your pet pictures will help you get organized.
Never under estimate the importance of neighborhood kids. They are the ones out and about on their skateboards and bikes are often willing to scour parts of the parks you didn’t even know existed.
Have your neighbors check all garages or any basements that may have had open windows. Often cats go exploring, and doors get closed behind them, with no way out. Many cats have spent a few nights in an unused shed or garage. The bottom line is to prepare diligently for a scenario that you hope you will never encounter.
