What to do when you lose your pet?

It’s the one thing pet owners fear. That huge sense of loss that feels like we are being swallowed up by a huge empty dark hole. It is the most horrible feeling in the world, like the sky just caved in on us and we can’t breathe. All the emotions come rushing up. Morbid thoughts haunt us.

‘Where is Lucky? Will she be ok? Will she get knocked down by a car? What if she is caught by exotic meat eaters? What if she gets put down?’

Picture taken from Corbis

So what can you do if you lose your pet? Whether he or she shot out the gate or off the leash or was stolen, here are a few tips on what you can do.

1. Call the SPCA (tel 62875355 ext 9) and the AVA (tel 1800-4761600) to report that your dog is lost so if they should find it, they should not put it to sleep, as if it were a stray dog or cat. Call once a day at least.

Information you should include:
- Microchip number / AVA license number
- Description of dog: size, colour, age, name, temperament, medical needs etc
- Your contact number to call in case they find your pet
- Where and when you lost your dog

2. Find a photo with a close resemblance and prepare a LOST DOG/CAT personal ad with the above description. Put up the ads at the areas around the area. Prepare one for the newspaper as well if needed.

3. Call close friends and neighbours to help you look in the area where he or she got lost. Walk or drive through the area several times daily. Widen your search area.

4. Most importantly, DON’T GIVE UP! Many pet owners and their pets have been reunited after many months.


Precautions to take if you receive a call

• Be careful when placing lost notices: Give enough of a description so your pet can be recognized, but hold back information about any special marks or quality that will allow you to confirm whether they actually have your pet.

• When you get a call from someone saying they've found your pet, take some precautions. Do not provide any information – ask the caller for a description of the animal. Do not answer their questions about your pet's description. Ask them to describe your pet in detail. If a person has your pet and is sincere, they will be eager to describe him or her and return them to you without asking for anything in return.

• If your pet was wearing a collar and I.D. tag, ask about it without giving any details. If the caller asks for information, wants to meet you at a suspicious place or immediately asks for money for the animal's return, be wary. It may be time for you to call the police.


Prevention is Better than Cure

• Make sure the area where your pet roams is secure. Make sure the gate is closed after people come and go.

• Leave your pet with a reliable and responsible person or sitter if you will be gone for a long period of time.

• Note down and keep in an accessible place your pet’s license and microchip number.

• Help your pet wear a collar with a tag. Write your phone number on the tag, and take a good clear identifiable photo of your pet. A pet has a better chance of being returned if she wears a collar and an ID tag with your name, address and telephone number.

•Consider microchipping your pet. It lets authorities like SPCA, AVA and even the vets know that your pet is not a stray. Microchips have been used to identify lost animals and reunite them with their owners.

Please note that if your pet is microchipped, it still requires you to register your contact details with PetCall http://www.petcall.org/ If you do not register your details with PetCall, even if a vet or an authority scans the microchip, they will not have your contact details and you still cant be traced.

Data at PetCall is confidential. The Vet or the authorities will contact PetCall who will then contact you. Your contact details will not be revealed to anyone.