In San Angelo, it isn’t unusual to spot someone’s four-legged friend walking down the road on their own.
Pet owners all over town experience the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with having a lost pet.
Fortunately, animal lovers often step up to help when they see a lost pet.
It can be tricky to navigate these stressful situations, but there are some best practices and ways to help prevent them all together.
Here’s what you should do if your companion ever gets lost.
- Don’t panic: finding your pet may be hard, but it’s not impossible. Try to keep your cool.
- Start searching immediately. First, look in areas close to the home, as most dogs will tend to stick to places they’re familiar with. If they haven’t been gone long, they may be just around the corner or in a neighbor’s yard.
- Spread the word virtually: share on social media and relevant websites – particularly on the Facebook pages like San Angelo’s Lost and Found Pets, San Angelo Pets, and the websites helpmegethome.com and petcolovelost.org, which were created with lost pets in mind.
- If you have a fence, open the gate. Make sure your yard is accessible if the dog returns.
- Lure them in: it can be helpful to place their favorite bed or treats outside – you might even consider cooking some delicious-smelling meats that you know you pup couldn’t resist. Or, if your dog loves car rides, start your car and rev the engine just a little bit.
- If you’re not finding them close to home, make sure to inform others. Call local shelters, kennels, and vet clinics and let them know your dog is missing. You’ll also want to alert your neighbors and friends.
- Speaking of friends, form a small search party. Have some people search on foot while others drive around slowly. Make sure everyone has treats and a leash and knows what your dog responds to.
- If you have no success with other methods, post flyers around town.
Pro Tip
Have Lost Pet posters already prepared ahead of time so they’re ready to distribute if you ever need them – you don’t want to have to waste valuable time preparing and printing flyers when you could be searching for your pet.
You might also consider having a social media post drafted ahead of time that includes a recent photo, description of your pet, contact information, and a reward if offered.
Prevention is Key
To prevent your pet from escaping, follow these best practices.
- Include your pet in family safety planning for severe weather, fire, or any other disaster. Have supplies and a plan in place to protect your pet in case of emergencies.
- Have your pet microchipped and keep their information up to date. The San Angelo Animal Shelter or your local vet can guide you through this process if you need help.
- Consider a wearable pet-tracking device for collar or harness.
- Introduce your pet to your neighbors so they recognize them as yours in case they ever get out of your yard.
- Make sure your yard is secure and your fences are sturdy and free from gaps.
- Train your dog to obey commands. If you are unsure how to start, work with a professional trainer.
- Always keep your dog on a leash if you are outside of a fenced-in pet-friendly area.
- Follow local ordinances regarding pet safety.
- Make sure your contact information is legible and visible on your dog’s harness or leash.
- Check fences for damage after major storms.
If you find a lost pet
If you find a lost pet, but are unable to catch it, take a photo and share it to the online sites listed above, along with the date, time, and exact location of the encounter.
If you are able to approach the dog, search its collar for owner contact information. If you can’t find information, consider taking the pet to a local veterinarian or shelter, who can scan for a microchip.
If no one claims the pet, share flyers around town and continue sharing to social media.
You can also keep a microchip scanner, a bag of treats, a bowl for water, and a slip lead in your car at all times, just in case.
