08/18/2024
𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐀 𝐏𝐄𝐓?
Even if you are unable to approach the animal, a reported sighting can be the key to helping desperate owners locate their pet.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐈 𝐃𝐎 𝐈𝐅 𝐈 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐄𝐓?
First things first, your safety should be number one priority. Even the friendliest pets can react unexpectedly when in fight or flight mode. They may be scared, hungry, injured, and exhausted, so approach with caution. If the pet is growling, hissing, cowering, or showing other signs of fear or aggression, contact your local animal authorities for assistance.
If you think it’s safe to approach, go slowly to avoid spooking them. Never chase a loose pet, as this may cause them to feel threatened and begin to run. It’s best to remain calm and avoid making direct eye contact so you are not seen as a threat. Sit on the ground or crouch down low and speak in a gentle voice to coax them your way. Offering small bits of food or treats can be a helpful tool for gaining their trust.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐈 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋?
If you do not think it’s safe to approach the animal, or if they are not responding to your attempts:
• Call your local animal services or humane society. They may be able to dispatch an animal control officer with special equipment to help secure the pet
• If possible, follow the pet from a distance until animal control arrives. This way you can give an accurate update on their position
• Take a photo of the pet and post it in your local neighborhood and lost/found pet groups on social media. Also take note of the nearest intersection and time of the sighting
• Keep an eye out for any lost pet posters in your neighborhood that match the description of the animal you saw. Even if you are not able to catch the dog or cat, any sightings can help the owners narrow down their search
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐈 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐓?
Whether you need advice on how to help a found pet, assistance getting a microchip scanned or information on where to take a found pet, there are a number of organizations that can help:
• Your local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA
• Your municipal animal control or animal services
• Your local animal rescue
And in some cases, you can also try:
• Your local neighborhood veterinarian
• Your local pet store or pet boutique
Information shared from 24Petwatch Canada - https://www.24petwatch.com/.../what-to-do-if-you-find...
Lost & Found Pets Of Ottawa And Surrounding Areas