If your pet has ventured too far from home, there are many steps you can take to locate your furry friend like posting to our Lost and Found Pets community.
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is here to help put your cherished creature back in your arms by spreading the word. It's so important not to lose hope your pet will find its way home again!
Pet Recovery Tips
• DON’T WAIT – Begin your search right away by looking for your pet in your neighborhood. Ask neighbors if you can search their yard, garage and any place your pet may be hiding on their property.
• PUT UP POSTERS – Post in areas with high foot traffic rather than busy intersections, people are more likely to read signs walking than in their cars. Use neon colored poster paper and write important information like your contact details and animal’s description in large print.
• HAND OUT FLIERS to neighbors and post in local hang-outs (coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.).
• TAKE A LOST TOUR EACH DAY at your local animal shelters. While most shelters post information online, animals often look different when they are scared and you may not recognize your pet’s photo. Most California shelters only have a 3-day holding period for animals without identification, always check both the stray and adoption areas when taking a tour. Shelters can also transfer animals after their stray holding period to rescue groups, search Petfinder to see if your pet may be up for adoption.
• If your animal has a microchip, CALL THE MICROCHIP COMPANY to report your pet missing. Also, confirm that your information is current and that you are able to receive voice mails. If you have a microchip number but are unsure which company your pet's microchip is registered too, you can use Petmicrochiplookup.org to check.
• RENT A HUMANE TRAP – If your pet is frightened and you are unable to catch him, setting a humane trap with yummy bait may help you recover him. Humane traps are available to rent from Humane Society Silicon Valley's (HSSV) Medical Center.
• CHECK ONLINE at craiglist.org for found ads and post your missing classified ad. Use social media and post to Facebook or Twitter to get the word out. Next Door is also a great resource for connecting with your neighbors who may have seen your animal
• TAG YOUR CAR – Use window markers to write your lost pet’s information on your car window. This will broadcast your pet while you’re driving around the area.
• HIRE A PET DETECTIVE – Find a pet detective in your area with missionreunite.org
• DON'T GIVE UP – When you are starting to feel low get some inspirations from these stories of families reunited.
