1. Act Immediately…
Start the search right away. Get friends to help you. Have cookies or favourite treats. Dogs may wander in areas familiar to them – check those first. Cats tend to hide under things like porches, vehicles and small spaces.
2. Publish – make a poster…
Use a clear, colour photo of your pet. Include your pet’s name, age, breed, approximate size/weight. State where and when your pet went missing. Describe the pet’s character (shy, friendly, etc.) Include a reliable telephone number and email address for contact. List any medical conditions or daily medication the pet may need.
3. Distribute – get the word out…
Put up your posters in the area your pet has gone missing. Place them in visible,
high traffic areas for best exposure.
4. Use the internet…
Take advantage of Social Media. On Manitoulin Island, use the Facebook resource Manitoulin Pets Reunited; also, Sudbury Manitoulin North Shore Lost and Found Pets and Lost and Found Pets of Ontario .Post an image of your lost pet online. Check your local municipal website for lost pet info or a number to call for their animal shelter. Check often with the local vets and animal shelters.
5. Micro-Chip…
If your pet is micro-chipped, contact the service number your chip provider has given you. Notify them of the missing pet.
6. When your pet is found...
- Have your Vet do a check-up for hidden injuries, etc.
- Update all your online notices to show your pet has been found.
- Thank everyone who helped in your pet’s return.
7. Things you can do now to keep your pet safe:
- Microchip your pet and keep your contact information current.
- Make tags that include your pet’s name and a contact telephone number. Leave the tags on the pet collar permanently.
- License your pet with your local municipality. This can help with their speedy return.
- For dogs: fence your yard. Monitor open doors and screens. Don’t assume your dog will never bolt out the door.
We suggest the following:
1. Don’t approach the animal. It may be fearful, in pain and aggressive.
You don’t know how the animal will respond to you. If it’s well-socialized and approaches you freely, be gentle and assuring in your speech, make no sudden movement to grab or hold it. Clip a leash to its collar if possible. Don’t try to hold it or pick it up. Note any obvious injuries. Provide shelter. Do not feed or let the animal drink if it seems unwell or hurt. Contact a Vet for advice if medical attention seems necessary. Guard your own safety first.
2. Call your local animal control authority - usually municipal.
Check online lost animal postings listed above and also post your own notice about the found pet. Post a photo if possible. Use your local network of owners, vets and stores to distribute info on the found pet.
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:00 Noon
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 12:00 Noon
