Lost Pet Guide

Find Your Pet Faster

A practical, safety-first playbook for the first hour, first day, and first week.

Immediate danger? If your pet is injured, trapped, or in traffic danger, use Emergency Contacts.

First 60 minutes

Fast local search + strong scent containment.

Flyers + calls + data that amplifies your search.

Protect your pet and your family from bad actors.

Search smart (don't chase)

Dogs: Walk/drive the immediate area slowly. Call gently, use a calm voice, and listen for tags/barking.
Cats: Most hide close (under decks, sheds, brush). Use a flashlight at night; look for eye-shine.
Bring high-value treats, a leash, a familiar squeaky toy, and a flashlight.
Do not run at them. If spotted, sit/turn sideways, toss treats, and let them approach.

Contain scent

Put worn clothing (unwashed shirt/socks) and your pet's bedding near the last known point.
Place a water bowl (avoid food if wildlife is active in your area).
Leave a door/garage cracked only if safe and you can monitor.
Ask neighbors to check garages/sheds now before doors close for the night.

Post + print the right info

Use 1 great photo (clear face + markings). Add a second full-body shot if available.
Keep flyers simple: LOST PET, name, species, color, last seen area, and a phone number.
Use a dedicated callback number if possible.
Update microchip registry and notify your vet/rescue networks.

Call the right places

When someone reports a sighting, request a photo/video, exact location, time, direction of travel, and whether the animal is still there.

Common scam patterns

"Pay first" demands (gift cards, transfers) before “returning” your pet.
Refuses to describe identifying features or provide a photo.
Pressures you to meet alone or in a secluded location.
Asks for a verification code “to prove you’re real” (never share any codes).
Claims they’re “out of town” and want you to ship or send money for transport.
Sends links to “microchip lookup”, “delivery tracking”, or “fee payment” pages (phishing).
Uses urgency: “I have your dog but I’m leaving in 10 minutes” to force bad decisions.

Safer handoff rules

Meet in a public place (police station parking lots are ideal).
Bring a friend. Keep proof of ownership (photos, vet records, microchip info).
Ask them to tell you a unique detail before you share one.
If there's a microchip, verify at a vet/shelter.
Do not hand over cash. If a reward was offered, pay only after confirmation.
If possible, do the handoff at a vet clinic or shelter that can scan for a chip.

Verification checklist (fast)

Request a photo/video from the finder in the moment (not a reposted flyer photo).
Ask for exact location + time + direction of travel (and whether they can stay put).
Ask about a specific unique detail: collar type, tag color, scar, chipped ear, limp, etc.
If possible, confirm using a microchip scan at a vet/shelter before final handoff.
Ask them to include today’s date written on paper in a photo/video.
If you receive an image, do a quick reverse-image search before acting on it.

Protect your privacy

Use a dedicated callback number/email when posting publicly if possible.
Don’t share your home address; use a safe meetup point or vet clinic.
Never share login codes or one-time passcodes sent to your phone/email.
Don’t click unknown links; call back using a number you already trust.
If someone becomes aggressive or threatening, end contact and meet with law enforcement present.

Search immediate area calmly

Set up scent station

Notify neighbors to check sheds/garages

Post on Missing Pets Board

Call shelters/animal control/vets

Ask for photo proof of sightings

Meet safely (public place + friend)

Re-check daily until found

Start by filing a Missing Pet report so your pet can be matched to incoming sightings.