Millions of dogs and cats – about 1 in 6 – get lost at some point in their lives, according to a study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Although it may be hard to imagine now that your pet could disappear, the unexpected happens. And the likelihood of you and your pet being separated only increases during natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes. If the unthinkable strikes, here are six steps you can take to ensure your furry friend gets home safely.
- Search your house first, then alert your neighbors and explore your neighborhood on foot.
Once it’s safe to do so, search your home carefully — under beds, behind bulky furniture, and in closets, dark places, and small spaces — in case your pet is hiding. If you’re sure your dog or cat isn’t home and it’s safe to get out, search your neighborhood, starting with your property’s outbuildings and landscaping. Cats tend to stay close to home and may hide under bushes, sheds, trees, or porches, too scared to answer your calls.
Check with your neighbors, who may be in the same boat as you (literally or figuratively) or who may be sheltering your four-legged friend. Go door to door, if possible, and ask permission to check outbuildings, little-used garages, and under porches where frightened dogs or cats might hide or be trapped.
- Use your smartphone and social networks
Email friends, co-workers and family members about your missing pet and ask them to pass the information on to whomever they can. Share the news with your social media networks as well, making sure to post your pet’s information and a recent photo on your own pages and accounts. Many communities have “lost/found pets” Facebook pages where members can post information about missing or found dogs and cats. Not only will you want to reach out to the Page admins to ask them to share your pet’s information, but you’ll also want to monitor new posts in case someone finds your furry friend.
- “Shop” local shelters
Local and temporary animal shelters are where large numbers of lost animals usually end up after a disaster. You will want to notify your community animal control office, local animal shelters or humane societies and any temporary shelters of your pet’s disappearance. Be prepared to provide an accurate description of your dog or cat, including:
- Breed
- Coat length and color, including distinguishing marks
- Size
- Age
- Sex and whether neutered or sterilized
- Ear type, such as erect, pointed, long, short, or droopy
You should visit these shelters in person; don’t just call. You may need to check in with shelters at least every other day, if not every day. It sometimes takes a few days for an animal to be picked up and taken to a shelter; however, this will also depend on the nature and severity of the natural disaster. Bring a photo of your dog or cat with you and your pet’s microchip information, if your pet has one.
- Check with local veterinary practices
It is not uncommon for a pet to be injured in natural disasters. Rescuers who find an injured dog or cat can take them to a nearby veterinary clinic for medical treatment. Veterinary professionals typically scan a found animal for a microchip, which may allow them to find you – assuming the microchip has been registered and contact information has been kept up to date.
If your pet does not have a microchip, a rabies tag can be used to help reunite you with your lost pet – assuming your pet is wearing a collar with the rabies tag attached. Rabies tags usually use a unique identification number and carry at least the telephone number of the veterinary clinic where the rabies vaccine was administered. The name and address of the clinic may also appear on the label.
A new ‘smart’ rabies tag is now available that features a QR code and GPS function. The QR code provides information on the identification and health of the animal as well as the contact details of the owner and the veterinary clinic. A smartphone scan of the tag automatically sends an SMS or email alert to the pet’s owner (assuming the owner has registered the pet and created a profile) along with the pet’s GPS location.
- Contact your pet’s microchip registry
By phone or on the website, notify your pet’s microchip registry that your four-legged friend is missing. Make sure the company has correct contact information for you, your vet, and your secondary or emergency contact, especially phone numbers. Depending on the registry, you may be able to create a “lost animal” poster and activate a lost animal alert for shelters, veterinary clinics and hospitals, and pet lovers in your immediate area.
- Display
Make a poster or flyer that you can give to neighbors, shelters and veterinary clinics. Some word processors have a flyer template that you can customize. Be sure to include a good quality photo that shows the distinguishing marks.
Also check with your local newspapers about publishing a “lost pet” notice – which they can do for free.
Also be aware that there are many online services and websites that will allow you to post information about your missing pet. There are even “pet sleuths” who will help you find your lost dog or cat, for a fee. You’ll want to thoroughly investigate a potential service before hiring one, if you decide to go this route.
Dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster can be chaotic and traumatic for you and your family. Having to search for a missing family member covered in fur at the same time just adds more stress. Knowing what steps to take can help you find your pet quickly.