Lost and Found Pets

Start your search

Note the Time and Place

When you realize your dog has gotten loose, determine his last known location and the time. If he slipped out of your home or yard, put a bowl of food at the door he uses and start calling him.

Form a Search Party

Head out the door and ask your neighbours to be on the lookout for your dog and to alert you, if they see your pet. It is always best to look for your dog when you realize they are missing before taking any other action. It also helps to have several people looking for a dog. Get friends and family in a search party, fanning out in an organized way from the last location your dog was.

Bring food to entice your dog and hand out extra leashes to search party members. Refrain from chasing from afar; this may cause your dog to run farther away. Always keep your safety in mind, as you are likely to feel frantic. Be cautious around busy streets and use flashlights if you are out at night.

Create a missing dog poster

Make sure the words "Lost Dog" are large enough to be visible from a passing vehicle or pedestrian. First, choose a photo that is large and close-up. Next, choose another photo showing the entire body. If you are not computer savvy, glue a photo on paper and use a marker to write the text by hand. Colour photos are preferable, especially if your dog has a unique colour or markings. Copies printed on neon bright paper show well, and use plastic page covers in case of rain.

Include the following on your poster:

• your dog's name
• description
• any special identifying marks or collar
• when last seen and where (cross street)
• your phone number and e-mail but for security reasons not your name or address

Spread the word

Make Key Phone Calls:

If your dog is microchipped:

• call your microchip company to alert them of your missing pet
• if you do not have the microchip information, call your veterinarian for it

Call your local animal shelter to file a lost report.

Contact Team Chelsea Lost Pet Search group to help with finding your lost pet

Start your search

Before you assume your cat is missing, do a thorough search indoors. Be sure to check around the porch, garage and yards. A flashlight and the tastiest, smelliest treats will help. The stats for lost cats returning home without intervention are about 2%. Having a microchip, City of Oshawa pet licence and wearing a collar and tag improve the odds of finding the cat.

When you know your cat is missing, start your search. Grab your cell phone with a photo of your cat uploaded, flashlight and treats and head out. Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable soft-soled shoes. Breathe and try to be calm and think like a cat:

• If you were a cat, where would you go?
  Begin around your house and spread out to the immediate neighbours on all sides.
• What is the most likely escape route?
• What are their favourite bushes or hiding spots?
  Crouch low under porches; scan high on rooflines and tree branches.
• Could something have recently happened to spook them?
• Has anything happened recently in your home to upset them?

Your cat is likely scared and hiding close by. Ask if you can look in your neighbour yards and under decks. Put out their dirty litter. The litter will help find your cat find its way back home.

Create a missing cat poster

Make sure the words "Lost Cat" are large enough to be visible from a passing vehicle or pedestrian. First, choose a photo that is large and close-up. Next, choose another photo showing the entire body. If you do not have access to a computer, glue a photo on paper and use a marker to write the text by hand. Colour photos are preferable, especially if your cat has a unique colour or markings. Copies printed on neon bright paper show well, and use plastic page covers in case of rain.
Include the following information on your poster:

• your cat's name
• description
• any special identifying marks or collar
• when last seen and where (cross street)
• your phone number and e-mail but for security reasons not your name or address

Spread the word

While you are searching, connect with neighbours and show the photo. Ask if you can check their garage, sheds, under the porch.

• Enlist family and friends to help post flyers and spread the word. Have pushpins, tape and a staple gun depending on the surface. Some of the best posting spots are intersection poles. You can also post at on bulletin boards at grocery stores and community centres.
• Use social networking like Facebook (Durham Region Lost and Found Cats). Ask everyone to share.
• If your cat is microchipped, call the microchip company to alert them of your missing pet.
• If you have recently moved, extend your search to your old neighbourhood.