Your heart skips a beat when you realize that your pet is gone, your mind starts racing and you try to remember where you last saw it, where it could be and when did it get away?
As the population of Hampton Roads continues to grow, there are more people, suburban sprawl and more places that your pet could be and calling your pets name can sometimes seem hopeless.
DON’T GIVE UP! Your pet is counting on you to do everything you can to return it home. Once you file a report with HRLostPets.org your pets information will be sent automatically to every Animal Control agency in Southside Hampton Roads or on the Peninsula.
Once you have done that, use the tips we offer and look for your pet. Many pets are found with diligence and persistence, but do not forget to visit the area animal shelters to look for your pet at least every day, more often if possible.
Remember, lost pets in Virginia turned into animal shelters with a collar are only required to be held for 10 days and those without a collar are only required to be held for 5 days.
If your pet is in an area animal shelter, don’t let their time run out!
HRLostPet.org Resources
If your pet has been gone for more than 24 hours, this might be a good time to place an ad in your local newspaper. Virtually all newspapers have a lost and found pet section and will run a small ad for a week or two for a very reasonable rate. Contact The Daily Press or The Virginian Pilot to learn more.
HRLostPets.org has some valuable tips and resources for you to use should your pet ever become lost.
When a pet is missing, you need to start your search as soon as possible and wasting valuable time making up a lost pet flyer isn't a good idea-so download ours! Not only will it save you time by having the most critical information you will need already included, you will help spread the word about HRLostPets.org!
Searching for Your Pet
There are some things that are so logical, people just seem to forget about them if they are dealing with the stress of finding a lost pet. These simple yet effective tips will help you begin an effective search and find your pet quickly.
Search Your Property Never assume that your pet wouldn't go into places in your own home-they would and they do!
Take Some Treats Carry the treats and shake the bag or can to alert your pet that there are treats to be had. You would be amazed at how well this works if you train your pet to the sound of treats.
Take a Flashlight Even in the daytime, a pet can crawl into some dark places to hide, especially if they're injured.
With photos in hand.. Show pictures of your pet to anyone you encounter, these may help jar their memory in the event they have seen your pet and paid no attention to it.
Make Noise as you search
Call your pets name, make sounds they will recognize and take along their noise-toys and have others helping you do the same. Pets have great hearing and will be able to hear you well before you see them.
Give Them a Chance to Reply During your search, it's important that you stop, look and listen for your pet to reply. Your dog could be under a car or your cat up in a tree and unless you listen for them, you could walk right by never seeing your pet at all.
Leave Contact Information Do this in the event that someone you encounter sees your pet later and needs to contact you.
Enlist the Help of Kids Getting to know the kids in your neighborhood not only helps build a stronger community, but kids are great at finding things, people and pets. Harness their limitless energy to help you fan out over the area to conduct your search.
Let Your Pet Follow it's Nose Leave some dirty socks, gym clothes or sweaty t-shirts, pet bedding and a cats litter outside your home so the animal can identify it's own home from a great distance.
Visit Shelters, Vets and Animal Control Never wait long to visit these places, visit them within the first 24 hours with photos and a flyer. Continue to visit them on a regular basis until your pet is found and don't give up hope!
If You Post Flyers Posting flyers can help tell others that your pet is missing. Post them at grocery stores, convenience stores, club houses and anywhere else people gather or visit. If you post them on street signs, this could be considered a violation of the law if the street sign is obstructed from view. You can also post them onto light poles in your neighborhood so that others walking by
could see them. If your animal is found, be a good neighbor and remove all the signs you have posted.
Use the Media
Many local will publish a small lost pet report in the classified section of the local newspaper free of charge or for a small fee. If your neighborhood, civic group or club has a newsletter, consider placing an ad there as well.
If You Offer a Reward
Never state how much the reward will be. If someone calls to tell you that they have your animal, arrange to meet at a public place that you know to be safe such as a Police Station, Animal Shelter or Animal Control during normal business hours and never go alone!
If the person claiming to have your animal is reluctant or refuses to meet you at a police station, animal control shelter or some other location where they might encounter the authorities, this should be a huge RED FLAG and chances are they have good reason to avoid any type of law enforcement officials.
Some slick con artists have been known to look through the lost pet section of the newspaper in order to find their next mark. Many times, these people will want you to give them the money and they will claim to go get your pet. If you do this, chances are you will never see him, your money or your pet.
There have even been cases where crooks have stolen pets in the hopes of collecting a reward from a distressed pet owner. Remember: If your instinct tells you something is wrong, chances are something is!
Make certain that it is your pet they are describing, these con artists are slick, crafty and prey on people just like YOU! They already know you are probably upset and will use this against you, don't be fooled, keep your guard up and NEVER give them anything until you have your pet safely in your possession.
Your heart skips a beat when you realize that your pet is gone, your mind starts racing and you try to remember where you last saw it, where it could be and when did it get away?
