Within the first 24 hours...

Take Action: As soon as you discover that your pet is missing take action! Do not hesitate, do not wait! Your pet is counting on you. Begin your search.

Home Search: Start your search by looking in and around your house. Begin by eliminate all sources of noise. Turn off televisions, radios and fans. And remember to look & LISTEN. As you search, periodically stop and call for your pet, and listen. Look in all places…big and small. Don't forget to look in your garage. Once you have determined your pet is not on your property expand your search.

Before Leaving your Home: Ensure your answering machine is on, or forward your calls to your cell phone. If someone finds your pet, this will ensure they will be able to contact you.

Call Your Local Shelter: Call your local shelter and ask if they have received or have picked up any live, dead or injured animals in your area that match your pet's description within the last ___ hours. If your pet has ID, ask if any pets have arrived with ID. The shelter may be trying to contact you! Also note, that even if your pet had ID it could have easily fallen off or been removed. Lastly, ask for the shelter's hours of operation.

Place a Lost Ad in the Newspaper: After you call your shelter, call your local newspaper. And place a lost ad. Most oftentimes, they allow pet owners to place a free lost or found ad.

Local Search: Walk through your neighborhood. More specifically, walk areas of your neighborhood that your pet is familiar with (ex. walk the route taken for daily walks). Talk to your neighbors and introduce yourself to anyone you encounter; inform them of your dilemma. Take your pet's favorite toy and make familiar noises. Likewise, call your pet's name. And don't forget to stop and listen.

After the first 24 hours…

Create Lost Flyers: After searching for your pet for 24 hours and having no luck you should create lost pet flyers. Offering a reward will often grab attention, and spark interest. As you continue your search, carry extra flyers and distribute them at every available opportunity.

Re-Search: Re-search your home and areas of your neighborhood. Change the time of day you search. Search for your pet at dawn or dusk. A scared, hungry, or injured pet may travel under cover of darkness to elude predators. Also, cats will hide under warm cars as day turns into night.

Visit Your Local Shelter: Take a recent picture of your pet and visit your local shelter. If you do not have a picture, find a picture of an animal that looks similar to your pet and use that as a reference. Ask to see ALL the animals at the shelter, and ALL the buildings that house animals. As you tour the facility, walk slowly and look in each kennel/cage. Frequently call your pet's name and listen.

Talk to each kennel technician you encounter and explain your dilemma. Each person you befriend is another set of eyes looking for your lost pet.

After you have searched the facility ask if there are any “lost pet forms” you can fill out. Or if there is a master binder containing all the incoming animals for a day/week/month.

Finally, remember to ask your shelter(s) these key questions .

Expand your Search: After 24 hours you should expand your search. Use your vehicle and venture past your initial search area. Search a 1/4 - 1 mile radius of your home. Post lost flyers in popular places and visit local veterinary hospitals. Leave a picture and contact information. Once again, make as many friends as possible. The more people you get to know, the more people become familiar with your pet.

Your expanded search should include reading the lost & found section of your local newspaper. Furthermore, respond to any ads that appear remotely familiar and beware of scam artists.

Also, browse the “pets for sale” section of the newspaper. Use caution and follow up on any suspicious ads.

Re-Visit your Local Shelter: Regardless of what you may have heard, search for your pet at your local shelter AT LEAST every other day.

Don't Give Up: Maintain faith. Ultimately, your pet will re-emerge.