12/10/2022
If you've been following my Stories the past few days, you know I've been trying to track down a skinny, scared stray dog in my area. Do you know what to do if you find a lost dog in your area? These tips are (in part) taken from the San Diego Humane Society's website. They had great tips, and I felt it was important to share this with everyone. Something not on their list, which I would add, is to add your local shelter/animal control phone number to your phone TODAY! You never know when you'll stumble onto a lost pet, and need to call for help right away.
1) Check for an ID tag.
See if the animal is wearing a collar with identifying information. If you don't see an ID tag, check the collar itself - sometimes collars are embroidered with a phone number.
2) Ask your neighbors.
80% of lost pets are found within one mile of their home. Ask your neighbors or people in the area if they recognize the animal or know the owner.
3) Search PawBoost.
Search PawBoost for animals who have been reported as lost or missing.
4) Hold the pet for a few hours.
If you can, keep the animal in your care while you see if you’re able to locate the owner in your neighborhood rather than bringing them into the shelter.
5) Check the chip!
If the pet is not wearing an ID tag, you can take them to your local veterinary office or shelter to have them scanned for a microchip.
6) Create a Found Pet flyer.
Create a flyer and post it at local coffee shops, dog parks, pet stores, veterinary offices and other businesses.
7) Use online resources.
Post about found pets on Facebook groups, Nextdoor, Craigslist.
8) File a Found Pet Report with your local shelter or animal control facility.
If you’re not able to find the pet’s owner on your own, contact your nearest shelter and other local shelters in surrounding cities by phone or e-mail to provide a Found Pet report.
9) Consider fostering.
You can help keep animals out of shelters by fostering the pet until we locate the owner.