What to do when your pet goes missing or you find a missing pet

Losing a pet can be a heart-wrenching experience for any pet owner and it’s something that is seen often at Pope County Humane Society and in our community. The anxiety and concern for your furry friend can be overwhelming. However, there are proactive steps you can take to increase the chances of the safe return of a missing or found pet.  “We get a lot of calls and messages regarding missing and found pets throughout the year,” Zoe Johnson, Operations Manager. “and we want to share resources that can help return animals to their homes quickly”

Inform Your Neighbors. Let your neighbors know if your pet is missing or if you have found a pet. They may have seen your missing pet, are the owners of a found pet, or may know more information. Share a description of the pet, including any distinctive features, and provide your contact information.

Reach out to Pope County Humane Society or Your Local Shelter. Pope County Humane Society is happy to post lost and found pets to their Facebook. Please send them a Facebook message and/or email with a description of the animal, a picture, location, and date found/missing.

Use Social Media and Online Platforms. Leverage social media to spread the word quickly. Post clear photos and descriptions of your pet on local community groups, lost and found pet pages, and your personal accounts. However, beware of scammers. “At PCHS, we have been seeing an increase in scam posts on our lost/found pet posts.”- Shauney Gloege, PCHS Board President.  Do not click on any links to other websites or Facebook groups that you are unfamiliar with.

Create Flyers. Design and print flyers with the pet’s photo, description, and your contact information. Place these flyers in high-traffic areas such as local parks, vet offices, pet stores, and community bulletin boards.

Use Technology. If your pet is microchipped, contact the microchip company to report your pet as lost. This will help reunite you if someone finds your pet and takes them to a vet or shelter. Additionally, if you have a GPS collar, check the app for their last known location. If you have found a pet, you can bring it to your local vet or animal shelter to scan for a microchip.

Keep Looking for Missing Pets. Continue searching your area regularly, especially during the early morning or late evening when it’s quieter. Bring treats or your pet’s favorite toy to entice them back. Leave your garage door slightly open, as many pets return home on their own.

Don’t Lose Hope. It’s important to remain hopeful. Many pets are found days or even weeks after they go missing. Stay connected with your community and keep sharing updates about your search.

Prepare for the Future. Ensure your yard is secure, invest in a collar with an ID tag, and consider microchipping if you haven’t already. At Pope County Humane Society, we offer community microchipping for only $20. Vet clinics also offer microchipping services. “Many of the stray animals or found pets that come to us are not microchipped,” Marisa Jacobson, Animal Medical Care Manager. “Microchipping is an easy and affordable way to get your contact information linked to your pet if it goes missing.”

For more information regarding missing or found pets, please visit the PCHS website: https://pchsmn.org/lost-and-found

If you are interested in getting your pet microchipped, please give PCHS a call to set up an appointment 320-634-4761. 

Article contributed by the Pope County Humane Society