We all try to look at the bright side of life when it comes to our pets. Sometimes despite our best precautions, the unthinkable will happen and our beloved critter disappears. If you lose an animal, do you really know all there is to know about finding him?

There are several steps to take in order to get your pet back home. The very first, and most important, is to make sure your animal has an identification tag! Even indoor animals will need to have one; all it takes is one open door, a fallen screen and an open window, or a natural disaster that destroys a home and releases your pet to the outdoors.

Here is a list of what is recommended in the event your pet is lost:

Part One Contents:
HAVE A PLAN
PROVIDE ANIMAL RELATED INFORMATION
IDENTIFICATION OPTIONS
LOCAL SEARCHES
ASSISTANCE FROM NEIGHBORS, FAMILY & FRIENDS

Part Two Contents:
POST FLIERS
LOST AND FOUND ADS IN NEWSPAPERS
A NOTE ABOUT REWARDS
VISIT SHELTERS, ANIMAL CONTROL, AND HUMANE SOCIETIES
CONTACT PET PROFESSIONALS
DEAD ANIMAL RETRIEVAL AGENCIES
HIRE A PET DETECTIVE
KEEP SEARCHING

HAVE A PLAN
Not panicking and having a systematic plan, if your animal does escape, are two of the biggest and most helpful things to do. Recent photographs and a formatted flyer to post in the event that your pet becomes lost is important. Some of the things to have in your file are notes as to special markings, scars, and the color and type (leather, nylon, etc.) of the collar and ID on the animal (registration numbers, etc.) The photographs should be clear, be sure to include a frontal shot, side shots of the animal and those photos should include the whole animal, including the tail and feet. At least one close-up is a good idea.

When making up the poster, be sure to use half-toned photographs to copy on a copier or use the color copiers to make colored LOST posters. Include only the lost dog or cat information: a brief description, collar information, and make sure you include your area code and phone number along with a REWARD note. The rest of the information you will save for when you receive calls to determine if the animal is really yours by asking questions.

PROVIDE ANIMAL RELATED INFORMATION
Lots of animals that look similar to yours are lost every day. Make sure you have accurate and detailed information about your animal. What color eyes does it have? What are the ears like? What type of tail? What sex? Is the animal spayed or neutered? What breed or mix is the dog....be sure to describe the size by weight too. Also make sure you note any specific scars, moles, or different color toes, or unusual markings. You will not post this information, but animal control, rescue and shelter agencies can assist you better if you can supply this detailed information.

Most people do not know the difference between the different breeds or descriptions. A red dog may just be brown to them, or what they view as a long-haired animal could be a medium-haired animal to you. Be sure to be as helpful in your description and in photographs. If you find an animal this is just as important to do!

IDENTIFICATION OPTIONS
If your pet has an ID tag with CURRENT CORRECT information on it, he is more likely to be returned home. Tags from the city or county will have a code and proof of rabies vaccination (if it is a dog or cat) which will allow owners to be traceable, but it is still important to have a tag with your name and number on it. Also, you might want to include a veterinary tag or a local humane society tag to assist further. At least if you are not available, the pet professional could provide some assistance.

If you are moving or traveling, have a temporary tag on the animal with a relative or friend’s area code and phone number. You might also look into contacting the local shelter or a veterinarian in the area you are relocating to and include their information too. Most pet stores have temporary ID’s where you can write the information on the tag and have it on immediately. Some of these are plastic, while others are tubes with paper inside them.

Some humane societies or animal shelters will have what they call "Jiffy Tags." They are tags that can be written on and covered with a bit of plastic for immediate ID; ask about them. New on the market are some new vending machines that provide immediate tags while you wait. Check some of the larger pet supply store chains to see if they have one.

On a national level, there are several pet registry agencies. They provide special ID tags and usually have an 800# that people can call on the tags. Fees vary, but once you have a number, all you have to do when you move is supply the agency with your new information and it is immediately updated. Check with your local humane society for a listing or information on these services. Humane groups are good sources to go for information since they want to help with pet overpopulation and pet loss; they are good suppliers of that type of information.

Microchips and tattoos are other good ideas to assist with finding an animal, but the average human won’t know how to use those markings or may not know what they are! Also, some facilities do not have a universal scanner to pick up on all the different microchips on the market and could miss it. In the event of pet theft, these are good ways of finding a pet who has been transplanted a long way off or if they have had all other identification items removed.

LOCAL SEARCHES
If you lose an animal, start a search around the location where the animal was lost or last seen. Calling or whistling are good ways to try to establish contact with your animal. Try to sound calm so that an animal will not fear coming to you. Training an animal to come to a loud whistle or specific call is a good idea to help with this.

Next, spread out to surrounding areas. Be sure to contact neighbors or children and enlist their help. Slowly driving around, street by street, while calling could help you cover more ground. If you get real creative, a bull horn or announcement system might give you an extra edge....just make sure you are using this during normal waking hours!!

ASSISTANCE FROM NEIGHBORS, FAMILY & FRIENDS
Your best allies will be your family, friends, and neighbors. Give them photographs and ask that they search specific areas. Try different times of day and night too. For instance, cats are usually more active at early morning or evening hours and tend to stay close. Your search may be better during those times. Dogs tend to run farther and are more sporadic in their habits. Don’t forget to recruit kids on bikes! They are very diligent and can cover a whole lot of territory. They have an incredible network of friends, lots of energy and can cover a whole lot of ground quickly.

Make sure you have a way of getting the animal and preventing escape again. With a leash, you can make a slip collar, by taking it and making a loop through the handle. You can then place it over the animal’s head and pull it secure so the animal cannot escape again. Some animals will need a kennel or a vehicle to get into in order to come. Many times they are frightened and will be jumpy.

Food with an upset animal does not always work, since they are stressed, but it is also another item to carry. Usually some smelly tinned cat food will work....they also have the flip top lids and can be opened quickly and easily to lure an animal to you.