Don’t panic! Take immediate action.

• Call and report your missing pet to all nearby shelters, veterinary offices, and any rescue groups located in your area. View a list of Bay Area animal shelters.

• Walk the surrounding areas calling your pet’s name, making familiar noises, carrying a box of smelly treats, or using a favorite squeaky toy.

• Enlist friends and family to help with the search.

• Look absolutely everywhere around your property. Don’t assume your pet would never hide in an odd place.

• Go door to door in your neighborhood and tell the neighbors you lost your pet.

• Post flyers within at least a one mile radius from where your pet was last seen as well as within at least a one mile radius of your home. Make sure flyers include your contact information and can be read easily from a car. If possible offer a reward.

• Place a “lost” ad in your local paper. (There is usually no charge)

• Place “lost” ads on classifieds websites such as craigslist.com and petfinder.com and pets911.com

• Check the “found” section of your local paper daily.

• Visit local animal shelters on a regular basis to check for your animal. View a list of Bay Area animal shelters.

Keep in mind...

• Scared cats may not even come out of hiding for several weeks.

• Some scared dogs can travel several miles away from home in a short amount of time.

• Even the friendliest and most social pet can become terrified, unpredictable, and he/she may run from strangers and even you.

Other Resources

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** Read more about Lost Cats ( PDF)

** Read more about Lost Dogs ( PDF)