FINDING A LOST PET

      Realizing that your pet is missing can be alarming and stressful.  It might be difficult to think clearly and to determine the best course of action to locate your lost companion.  Try not to panic.  Remember to take a deep breath and be rational, as you will be better able to help your pet if you are calm.  Below are some tips to keep in mind in case you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. 

• Talk to your neighbors.  This is no time to be shy.  If your companion was lost from your home, go door to door and ask each neighbor if they have seen your pet.  If they have not, ask them to alert their family members and to keep an eye out for your special friend.  If they do not know what your pet looks like, provide them with a description.  Visit the houses on your street and on surrounding streets, as pets may wander.  

• Make flyers that feature a clear, color photo of your companion.  If you do not have a photo, give the best physical description that you can come up with.  Be sure to provide your pet's name, your name, the date and where the animal was last seen, and your contact information.  Mention that you would like any information regarding your pet.  Make lots of copies and pass them out to your neighbors.  Hang them in as many high traffic, visible places as you can.  The more people that see the flyer, the more likely it is that you will get a response.  

• Use familiar scents to attract your pet.  As you know, every animal has a great sense of smell.  You can place recently worn articles of clothing around your house.  Your companion's superior sense of smell just might lead him or her home.

• Use your pet's favorite "noisy" toy to attract his or her attention.  As well as having great sense of smell, most animals possess terrific hearing.  While you are out calling for your pet, use the noise of the toy also.  It may tempt your pet out of a hiding spot.  

• Search when it's quiet outside.  Go out searching after the chaos of the day is over.  Alternate calling your pet with listening for any familiar sound of response.  If your pet is nervous outside, he or she might be more likely to come out of a hiding spot when there's less going on in the environment. 

• Make telephone calls.  Call your local animal control office and your veterinarian to alert then of your pet's circumstance.  You may also wish to contact the animal control offices and veterinary clinics in the surrounding towns, as pets may wander several miles.  Call the family and friends that your pet is familiar with and ask if anyone is available to help you go out and search for your companion.  

• Don't give up!  Don't succumb to feelings of hopelessness.  Some pets go missing for days or weeks before they are found and returned to their families.  Keep searching.