We hope you have had the opportunity to read our first post about this topic, Part 1 – What To Do If you’ve Lost a Pet. Part one offers quick tips in case you find yourself in the midst of an unfortunate situation like losing your own dog or cat. The first post helps you identify what to do if you personally have lost a pet and what steps to consider. Part two serves as a continued effort to help those find their lost pets and offers tips to someone who has found a lost pet.

Let’s assume that you’re out and about and you’ve spotted a pet that looks lost. Or perhaps the pet has wandered into your yard begging for food or shelter. What should you do now? What’s the first step?

• The first step is to protect yourself and others that might be with you before approaching a pet. Always remember that a pet can become dangerous in some situations. Some dogs and cats get nervous and bite when they are scared. They may also run off. Make sure you are prepared for anything and take great caution when approaching a potentially lost pet.

• Approach the lost or stray pet slowly. Use a treat or food to entice them to come closer. Use your best judgment and do not do anything you feel uncomfortable with. Leave that part to the professionals.

• If you are able to get close to the pet without feeling unsafe, check to see if he or she has a collar on. If there is a collar, you might be in luck. Is there a tag on the collar?

• Do you have an extra kennel or can you put the pet somewhere safe until an owner or professional can take over? Remember to take your time when approaching and touching the pet. Keep the pet in a closed off space until you can contact the owner or the humane society.

• Call the local police or an animal control specialist in your area. Many pet owners call the local humane society first thing when they have lost their pet. If the dog or cat does not have proper identification, chances are their owner might have already called in their lost dog or cat.

• Try not to fall in love or get attached to the lost pet. It’s easy to love a pet, especially in their time of need. Have you ever looked into a lost pet’s eyes only to see their vulnerability and pain? We understand! However, we all hope that pet will most likely soon be reunited with their original owner. It’s OK to cuddle and help the pet. In fact, it is wonderful and says a lot about your giving heart. But sometimes, unfortunately, children or parents fall in love with the pet and fail to take the proper measures to help that pet find their original home. There could be another owner or child sincerely missing that pet, too. Do what you can to help that pet find his or her home.

• If the number on the collar is called, make sure that the person who claims the pet is truly the rightful owner. Ask for identification and watch the way the pet reacts to him or her. This is a sure way to know whether or not they are being truthful. Consider taking a photo of the pet to show the potential owner first. Ask them to provide one as well. If you do not feel comfortable with this part, you should call an animal control professional. They know exactly what to do in this situation.

Good luck and we hope these tips help you if you ever run into this problem. If you have any other tips or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us through Facebook. We would be happy to help or hear your story. Pets are so important to us. We want to help in any way we can!
Don’t forget to read the first part of this post here: http://blog.21stessentialpet.com/2016/10/part-1-what-to-do-if-youve-lost-a-pet/.

Please share this post