Even the most loved and cared for pets can go missing. The most important thing you can do to locate your beloved pet is to act quickly. Here at Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital we keep an extensive register and encourage people to ring and leave details of both lost and found pets. In addition there are many steps you can take to help make the process of finding your pet easier, listed below are some of our recommendations.
1. Check Home-base:
It may seem obvious, but check your property thoroughly. This includes in wardrobes, cupboards, under beds, behind furniture & appliances. Check inside washing machines & dryers. Think about what doors and areas were open at time your pet went missing. Did somebody just get something from the garden shed? Many a person has completed a full neighbourhood search to come home and find their cat locked in the pantry. Walk around the neighbourhood calling out to your pet. Try taking a box of biscuits or a can of food to attract their attention. Make use of a torch so you can check dark areas such as under cars. A scared or injured animal may not respond to your calls, so not only should you search the neighbourhood during daylight but also have a walk around when it’s dark as your pet may be more responsive at this time. Ask your neighbours to check their houses, garages & sheds. It may be worthwhile asking your neighbours children to keep a look out for your pet too.
2. Register your pet missing:
Contact your local ranger service and report your pet missing.
Rockingham Rangers 9528 0303
Leave a detailed description of your pet, remember the staff will be working from a written description and many people describe animals differently. This is really important when describing cross bred animals. There is a big difference between describing your pet as a ‘kelpie cross’ compared to describing him as a ‘sterilised male, Kelpie cross with a long red curly coat and with white feet’. Giving people as much information as possible will help you in your search.
Contact ALL the veterinary clinics in your area. Many people will find an animal and immediately take it to their personal clinic. This may be some distance from where the animal was actually found.
Contact rescue associations as these are facilities that your pet may be taken for re-homing. Make sure rescue associations know of your search, so they can match you to your pet if he/she is taken into them. Some rescue associations your pet may be taken to are listed below:
K9 Rescue – 9581 9005
Cat Haven – 9442 3600
Animal Protection Society – 9398 6616
Cat Alliance – 9524 1398
RSPCA – 9209 9300
Swan Animal Haven – 92798485
Shenton Park Dogs Refuge – 9381 8166
3. Posters: Creating posters and fliers that display a photo of your pet and with large bold print can help spread the word of your missing pet quickly. Animals can travel a surprising distance, especially when lost and afraid, place your fliers in local areas and shops but also into the wider community. Targeting areas with maximum traffic, i.e the local deli and a local letter box drop can help you reach larger numbers of people in your community. Some people choose to offer a reward, this is a personal choice but we recommend not advertising its value. For help making a poster and advertising your lost pet you may find the following links helpful:
4. Microchipping: Having your pet microchipped provides a permanent source of identification with accompanying contact details, this importantly aids in recovering your lost pet more reliably and within a shorter time frame. For more information on how to get your pet microchipped please contact the clinic on 9524 6644 to make an appointment for future peace of mind.
Finally we wish you all the very best in locating your friend and hope that you are reunited soon.