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Lost dog or cat: the first 24 hours

Search close, tell everyone, and make it easy to find you. Most pets are found nearby.

21 items · 5 sections · pets, family, emergency

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First hour (5)

  • Search your home, garage, sheds, cars and under beds and sofas
  • Cats often hide close: check under decks, in bushes and neighbours' sheds
  • Walk the area calling their name, with a favourite treat or a food tin to shake
  • Ask neighbours, delivery people and children to look
  • Put a bowl of food, a worn T-shirt or their bedding outside

Spread the word (5)

  • Call your vet clinic and nearby vets and tell them the details
  • Call or visit local animal shelters and the dog warden; go in person every day
  • Post on local lost-pet groups, neighbourhood apps and social media
  • Make a poster with a clear photo, name, area, phone number and "Reward" only if you want
  • Put posters on lamp posts, shops, vets and park noticeboards

Microchip and tags (3)

  • Call the microchip company and report your pet as lost
  • Check your contact details are current on the microchip
  • Check the collar tag has your phone number

Keep looking (4)

  • Search at dawn and dusk when it is quiet, especially for cats
  • Use a torch to look for eyeshine at night
  • Ask if you can set a humane trap, or borrow one from a shelter
  • Don't chase a frightened dog: sit down, look away and let it come to you

Be careful (4)

  • Never hand over money to someone you haven't verified; ask them to describe a marking only you know
  • Meet strangers in a public place, with another person
  • Keep a note of everyone you have called and when
  • Don't give up: keep posters up for weeks

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