Lost Pets

What steps should pet parents take when they discover that their companion is missing?

Lost and Found Stories - Carlos

I saw Carlos wondering around on my street. He appeared to be in good shape. Not injured, not scared.  I decided that he would probably make his way home so I left him alone.

Lost and Found Stories - Spot

"Spot" was an escape artist who lived at a large animal shelter.  He escaped from his foster home and walked back to the shelter.  Later he was adopted, and walked back to the shelter.  When he was adopted again, no one heard anything from the new parents so assumed all was well.  Then a week later, Spot showed up at the shelter. He was a bit thinner but mostly in good shape -- considering that his latest adoptive home was 17 miles from the shelter.

He Followed Me Home. Can I Keep Him?

When can you claim a stray as your own?

I'll attempt to address this legally, then morally. Then I'll share a few stories

Stress; Lost and Found

July 5th is the worst day of the year for lost pets. If you pick up a stray, get the wayward animal scanned for a microchip at the nearest vet or shelter. If there is no chip or if the chip is not registered, start advertising the lost pet - flyers, craigslist, local paper ads, etc..

Hopefully the scariest part of the holiday is over.  But pets might be all wound up for the next few days. Keep things as calm as possible.