Help for lost or stolen pets

Help for lost or stolen pets:

If you believe that your pet has been stolen and did not just escape from your home, there are some steps to follow. First, call the local animal shelter in your area. If your pet is not there, then call the police department to make a report. Also, make sure you leave your pet's description and information with the shelter. A photo of your pet is extremely useful in making sure your pet is properly described. If you find your pet in someone's yard or home, call the police department and speak to the investigator assigned to your case or a police officer on duty. Do not take the reclaim matter into your own hands.

To help in the speedy return on your pet, follow these steps:

• Check with animal control on a regular basis.
• Make a flyer with a picture of your lost pet and your contact information.
• Offer a reward-you do not have to state how much the reward will be, maybe just enough to cover the finder's gas.
• Talk to your neighbors and give them a flyer- they may have seen the direction your pet was traveling after it escaped. House cats will hide in a garage or under a building usually nearby.
• Walk your neighborhood with the family and call for the dog (cats rarely will respond to your calls unless they are confined and can't reach you).
• Talk to the children in the neighborhood and show them the picture. They are great little detectives and have a sharp eye when it comes to locating a pet when there is a reward offered.
The most important tip is to make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tag and having a good photo of your pet.