It is stressful losing a family pet. Ask your support network for help. Slow down, practice relaxation. Get enough sleep. Consider these practical guidelines –
- SEARCH INSIDE THE HOUSE
Cats can get locked up in cupboards, wardrobes, pantries, etc - SEARCH YOUR PROPERTY
Around your house, in wood piles, vehicles, downpipes, trees, shrubs, between walls etc - CHECK LOST PETS ALREADY LISTED
Pet Radar shows you all the lost cat reports within the 10 km radius (can be expanded to up to 50 km) - IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR ANIMAL HAS BEEN STOLEN
do not let suspicion of theft limit your search options. If you have proof, contact the local Police. - MAKE YOURSELF EASY TO REACH
Make sure your phone is charged and handy at all times for incoming calls. Check your email SPAM or JUNK box as often as your inbox, vital information can end up there. - SEARCH SURROUNDING AREAS
Storm water drains, neighbouring streets, trees and roofs, etc. If you recently moved check your “old” house, cats and dogs can travel very long distances to get back to their “old” house. - DISTRIBUTE FLYERS
Click here and then ‘Print Flyer’ under your animal’s image. Place them around the area including your neighbours’ mailboxes, local supermarkets, schools, parks, shops, clubs and etc - LEAVE SCENTED ITEM OUTSIDE
Leave an item of worn clothing (scented) or a used kitty litter tray outside as the smell can attract your cat or dog - LEAVE FOOD AND WATER OUTSIDE
Start leaving food and water outside to ensure your cat or dog has access to food and water if you are not home. - ASK TO SEARCH NEIGHBOURS PROPERTIES
within 4-5 houses radius, especially sheds and garages. Or target them with your Pet Alert as your cat may be locked in or just disoriented and hiding. Take a companion to ensure your safety. - FOLLOW UP WITH VETS
Call your local vet and make sure that they have a record of your lost cat or dog. Call as many other local vets as you can or target them with a Pet Alert. - FILE LOST REPORT WITH COUNCIL
Regardless if your cat is registered with the local council or not, call them and find out if they accept lost pet reports. Make sure they have your current contact details on file. - VISIT THE POUND IN PERSON!
Do not rely on phone, online descriptions, pictures or microchips. Start visiting the pound in person regularly and ask to see both surrendered cats and cats for adoption. - UPDATE MICROCHIP DETAILS
Call the vet that helped you register your microchip in the past. It is very important to check if your contact details on file are up to date. - SEARCH AT DUSK AND DAWN
Do a 3-4 am search. It is the most quiet time when you are most likely to spot any movement or hear a sound your cat makes and your cat is more likely to hear you calling. - FOLLOW YOUR FACEBOOK POST (even if you are not on Facebook)
Click here and view comments under the Facebook post we created for you via the LPF website or better yet (if you are on Facebook) leave a comment under your post on Facebook to encourage activity and get notified of any new sightings or leads. - BOOST YOUR FACEBOOK POST (even if you are not on Facebook)
Facebook boost is now available via the LPF website. Turn your Facebook post into an ad that targets local Facebook users. Click HERE for options and fees. - SHARE YOUR POST FAR AND WIDE ON FACEBOOK
Share your post to as many local Facebook communities as you can. Use our Facebook Resources tool to see where to post and how.
If someone else’s pet is hanging around your home, please don’t keep feeding it. Check your local community facebook page and community notice board and Lost Pet Finders. That family will be most grateful to get their pet home.