Losing your dog or cat is every pet parent’s worst nightmare. It’s something we don’t like to think about, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of recovering your lost pet.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has these tips on getting your furry friend back home safe and sound.
Talk to Your Neighbors
Take a slow ride or walk around the neighborhood and ask your neighbors if they’ve seen your pet. Remember to bring along a photo of your pet to show them and ask your neighbors to check inside their garages and sheds in case your pet was accidentally locked in.
Check with Animal Control
Call the animal control agencies and shelters and check with the rescue groups in your area. Here’s a list of local animal control agencies:
- The San Jose Animal Care Center provides shelter for animals picked up in San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas and Saratoga: (408) 794-7297.
- The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) serves residents of Campbell, Santa Clara and Monte Sereno: (408) 764-0344.
- The Santa Clara County Animal Shelter in San Martin serves residents of unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County: (408) 686-3900.
- The Humane Society Silicon Valley provides shelter services for animals picked up by the Sunnyvale Animal Control Office: (408) 262-2133.
Get the Word Out
Create a “lost pet” flyer with a clear photo of your pet. Provide as much description as possible, such as breed, color, sex, weight, distinguishing features and where your pet was last seen and your contact information. Blanket the neighborhood with flyers and be sure to include dog parks, pet stores, veterinary offices, grocery stores and coffee shops. Post flyers around schools at a child’s eye level because children are more likely to notice a dog or a cat.
Use the Power of Social Networking
Post a notice with your pet’s photo on your Facebook page and ask your friends to re-post. Also, post on online animal forums and message boards in your area. Some local groups are South Bay Dog Lovers and Society Dog.
Hire Help
There are companies such as LostMyDoggie.com that will issue an “Amber Alert” about your lost pet by calling your neighbors and local shelters and Pet Harbor that will send postcards in your vicinity in the hope of reuniting you with your furry one.
Take Preventive Measures
Make sure your pet wears an ID tag with your contact information. And if your pet has a microchip, make sure the contact information associated with the microchip is current. If your pet does not have a microchip, there are several places locally that offer inexpensive microchip services. The SVACA will microchip your dog or cat for $35, VIP Petcare Services will offer microchipping for $39 on Aug. 20 and 27 between 10–11 a.m. at Feather Haven Feeds in Morgan Hill, and the Humane Society Silicon Valley provides microchipping for $45 and $25 at the time of a spay or neuter surgery.
Pet of the Week
Meet Beau, a lovely one-year-old Siamese mix. He was rescued from a local shelter with an injury to his paw just minutes before he was to be euthanized. Beau is now being cared for by his foster mom and his paw is on the mend.
Besides being quite handsome, Beau is described as a “typical Siamese,” meaning he is loud, outgoing, highly intelligent, energetic, agile and curious. He also gets along great with cats and dogs. For more information about Beau and other cats up for adoption, visit the Unconditional Love Animal Rescue website.
