Lost Pet
Losing a pet is scary but being proactive will dramatically increase your chances of finding your pet.
Immediately:
Most pets do not wander far from home. Stay close! Don’t spread your scent too far.
If possible, have someone stay at your house in case your pet returns while you are searching.
Contact the microchip company to make sure all your information is updated.
If you have a second dog, or your dog has a best friend, you should ideally take them with you when you search for your lost dog.
Leave out dirty clothes that will have a strong scent of you/home. Do NOT leave the lost dog's beds or things; they are looking for you, not themselves.
Carry a familiar toy and some stinky delicious treats with you.
When searching, move slowly and use your voice. Your pet may be frightened and hiding so give them time to hear you and come out from their hiding place.
If you are searching in the daytime and don't find your pet, try again at night.
Further Action:
If you don’t find your pet right away, use social media to spread the word:
Make flyers to post in your neighborhood. You can create a free flyer here.
Talk to your neighbors. Your cat or dog could be stuck in someone’s garage, etc
Notify your local shelters and check their found pets list DAILY in case a good samaritan brings your pet to the shelter. You can find a list of your local shelters here.
Be careful of scams:
Do not give money to people who call or text you and claim to have your animal until you see your animal with your own two eyes. They likely saw your flyer and are scamming you to get money. Ask for a picture of your pet.
If you are considering using a pet detective, do your research. Some of these services are legitimate, but many are scammers.
Spend your money wisely. There are paid services you can hire to help you, but find out what they do first. You can do many of these same things yourself, and you are the person your pet will come to.
Contact HAPI for help.