Stay calm and start close to home

Losing a pet is frightening, but many pets are back home within hours when owners search early and ask people nearby to help. What you do in the first hour matters most.

7 steps when your pet is missing

1. Search around home now

Walk your home and nearby streets. Call their name in a normal voice and shake a treat bag or food bowl they know. Cats often hide quietly under cars, houses or bushes nearby, so use a torch and look slowly.

2. Search again at night or early morning

When streets are quiet, pets feel safer coming out and can hear you better, especially frightened cats.

3. Tell neighbours and security staff

Share a clear photo and ask them to check their CCTV.

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4. Post in local groups

Post in neighbourhood Facebook or LINE groups and lost pet groups with a photo, name, colour, markings, collar, where and when they went missing, and your phone number.

5. Call nearby vet clinics

People who find a pet often take it to the closest clinic to scan for a microchip. Leave your details with every clinic you can reach.

6. Put up posters

Use a big photo and few words that can be read from a distance. Place them at junctions, convenience stores and clinics.

7. Leave something that smells like home

A blanket or bed by the door helps them find their way back. Keep their usual entry point open and safe.

If you found a lost pet

  • Check the collar first. If there is a Pettagu Tag, scan the QR or tap your phone on it to see the owner's number. No app needed.
  • No tag? Take them to the nearest clinic to scan for a microchip.
  • Take a photo and post in local groups where you found them.
  • Approach slowly and don't chase. A frightened pet may bite or scratch.

Sources

  • Huang L. et al. (2018) Search Methods Used to Locate Missing Cats and Locations Where Missing Cats Are Found. Animals 8(1):5
  • Lord L.K. et al. (2007) Search and identification methods that owners use to find a lost dog. JAVMA 230(2):211-216

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a veterinarian or your local authority.