Lost a Pet?

NETWORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA and IN REAL LIFE

Lost Pet Notice
Lost Pet flyer

Try Lost Pet Postcards!

CONTACT SHELTERS

Contact ALL shelters within 20 miles of where your pet was lost.

Call the shelter more than once. Your pet may be turned in after you last called or looked online.

San Diego Animal Services

Animals unclaimed within the three-day holding period may be made available for adoption (or released to rescue).
- Animals without license tags or microchips are held for three days.
- Injured or diseased animals that are suffering may be held fewer days.
- If the shelter can identify the owner, pets are held for five business days before being placed with adoptable animals or released to rescue.

Be effective in your message

Place an ad in Craigslist, NextDoor.com, local and city-wide news, social media and online outlets. Include:
- Where the animal was lost with city and street name, closest cross streets
- Estimated date and time the animal was lost
- Color and markings of pet; size or weight; sex; age
- If your pet was microchipped
- Your phone number and/or email
- If you’re offering a reward, state the amount

www.sdhumane.org/.../lost-and-found/lost-a-pet.html

www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/lost-found.html

Animal Tracking/Catching Experts

Please contact Bab's Fry, 619-249-2221,
www.facebook.com/AWayHomeforDogs to help trap and find lost pets

How to Find a Lost Cat (From Rover.com)

When it comes to finding a lost cat, it’s important to be proactive and persistent.

Do a physical search

A physical search is reported to be the most effective method for a lost cat. As you look around, be sure to call your cat’s name or make sounds that they usually respond to (shaking a treat bag, kissy noises, etc.). Avoid “drive-by” searches as this may increase the chances of scaring your cat or you missing out on slow or subtle movements.

Here is where you should search:

Search inside your entire house. Assuming you didn’t see your cat jet out the door, double-check every nook and cranny, shake your cat’s favorite treats, and crack open a can of food.
Search your entire house exterior. Once you’ve confirmed that your cat isn’t still indoors, move the search to the immediate outdoors. Finding a lost indoor cat starts with searching nearby hiding spots like under porches, cars, and decks and in bushes, open garages, and sheds. When an indoor-outdoor or free-roaming cat goes missing, it’s likely because they were spooked or chased out of their territory and became lost because they were disoriented.
Search your neighbor’s garden, toolshed, or garage. Cats tend to hide close to home, and these are all great hiding spots. Before searching these areas, make sure to ask your neighbors if you can search their property or have them search their property for your cat.
Look at dawn and dusk. Dr. Delgado says your cat is most likely to feel safe at dawn and dusk because they are crepuscular rather than nocturnal. They may come out of hiding to seek food and may be easier to approach.
Purchase a security or wildlife camera. Bianca knew she could only physically search for so many hours. Bianca had a special interest in a wooded area that feral cats frequented, so she set up a trail camera to monitor activity. Dr. Delgado adds that cameras monitoring your yard can spot and alert you of your cat coming out of hiding at night.

Get help from your community

Enlisting the help of friends, neighbors, or a professional is a great tool to better the chances of finding your cat. More eyes on the neighborhood and surrounding areas can only increase the likelihood your cat is found safe and sound. Make sure the parties looking for your cat know not to approach them suddenly or try to grab them. This can startle your cat and potentially scare them away.

Here’s who can help:

Hire a pet detective. Look for a pet detective that is Missing Animal Response (MAR) trained. The Missing Animal Response Network has an easy-to-use directory for MAR-trained specialists in your area.
Scope out the neighborhood and recruit neighbors. If your cat isn’t on your property, it’s time to extend the search to the next-door neighbors. “Knock on neighbor’s doors and ask if you can look in their yard for your cat,” Dr. Delgado says. “Ask neighbors to check under their homes or in garages—anywhere your cat could hide.”
Contact local vets, shelters, and rescues. Call local organizations to let them know your cat is lost and describe their physical features. Frequently check-in for your cat.

Set up a trap

Trapping is another effective method to bring your cat home. However, ensure you read up on how to properly establish a trap and what to do after your cat goes into the trap. Effective traps are set up right after you realize your cat is missing and conduct a thorough search.

Here are some tips on trapping:

Set up a feral cat trap. Dr. Delgado recommends placing the trap close to home with food inside to lure them in.
Put your cat’s favorite things or food outside (not the litter box). Cats have 40 times more olfactory receptors than us, making their sense of smell one of their most powerful senses. You can attract a lost cat home by placing familiar smelling items near your door and the feral cat trap. In an effort to guide Extra back to the unfamiliar motel, Bianca placed Extra’s doggo sister’s harness on their motel door and a comforter from home on the car.
Lure them in with their favorite foods or treats. One of the best ways to get a cat to come home is by enticing them with their favorite foods and treats, especially wet food. You can also try and lure them home with their favorite human foods too, including tuna, salmon, chicken, or anything else your cat loves.