Bringing a new pet home can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. As pet owners, we take on the responsibility feeding, housing, and loving them. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what to do if their pet ends up lost.
Do you know what steps you would take if your own pet was lost? Where would you go? Who would you call? How would you get your faithful friend home?
Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time will help you get your pet home should they ever become lost.
Make sure your pet wears a secure collar with tags on it. Those tags should include a rabies license (given to you when your pet is vaccinated by your veterinarian) a city license for dogs, and a microchip ID if your pet is microchipped. Pet owners can also make their own tags that have their contact information on them. These tags will help anyone who finds your pet get them back to you.
Unfortunately the majority of lost pets also lose their collars. The only guaranteed form of identification is a microchip. Microchips are approximately the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the skin in the shoulder area. Your pet’s information is then linked to their unique microchip number and placed on a nationwide database. Most shelters and veterinary facilities have a scanner that can quickly read your pet’s microchip number. If your pet is lost, this unique number will make it easier for them to get reconnected with you.
In the event that your pet does become lost, you should contact as many resources as possible. These resources include local animal shelters, animal control, and any veterinary clinic in the area. Remember that pets can travel a long distance when lost and it is good to expand your search to surrounding cities if you don’t have luck in your local area. Check back with these resources, and go to your local animal shelter to look at newly admitted animals as often as possible.
If you happen to find someone else’s missing pet many of the same things can be done. Check the pet for tags – and contact the person or veterinarian listed. If no tags are found you can contact your local veterinarian or animal control to scan the animal for a microchip. If no chip is found you can still contact vet clinics and shelters to let them know you found someone’s pet. This may help you connect with an owner who is searching for their beloved pet. Remember to always be careful with pets you don’t know. Use caution and never approach an animal that appears aggressive or scared.
Missing a pet can be a difficult and heartbreaking experience, but with the right information and resources your chances of being reunited with your pet will increase. Please contact Carver Lake Veterinary Center for any information regarding a lost or found pet. We are happy to help your pets find their way back home.
Learn more about microchips here.
