How to Find Lost Pets (new ideas and inventions)
To find lost pets needs a community effort and less diluted information and websites. There is a lot of help out there (plus some smashing inventions and ideas) so here is everything in one place, to help either you (or your community) find lost pets.
How to prevent lost pets
- Experts say that neutering male pets can prevent roaming and fights (it also helps to reduce road accidents and some cancers – spaying females also has health benefits and reduces unplanned litters, so less homeless pets). Humane training helps dogs to return when called.
- It’s UK law for pets to be microchipped (update details if you go on holiday or move, and keep recent photos and DNA profiles to hand). Get proper references from dog walkers/sitters, and never leave dogs outside shops.
- Register (all species) at DogLost, Pets Reunited and Europetnet. These organisations then have info on your pet, in case it’s needed.
- Ensure gardens have fixed locked gates (and a bell, if someone opens it).
Collar safety and ID
- It’s UK law for cats over 20 weeks (and dogs over 8 weeks) to be microchipped, so vets can find guardians if lost. You can get this at reduced rates for low incomes.
- FlexiTags lists important information and medical indo, without need for hanging tags that could snag.
- Experts say to avoid collars until around 8/10 weeks (puppies) or 6 months (kittens). Blue Cross has tips on quick-release cat collars.
- Dog collar strangulation is a common issue for vets, when they get tangled during play. Quality quick-release dog collars remain secure on walks (the lead is locked through D-rings). But breaks off in emergencies. KeepSafe in North America is the main brand.
Some people use GPS collars, but reviews are mixed (often the battery fails) and there are issues with weight/choking hazards and battery ingestion. Do your research, if you use one.
Who to contact if pets go missing
- One RSPCA branch suggests leaving out unwashed clothing and the contents of your hoover bag (familiar smells may entice pets back home). Do lost pets find their way home?
- Some councils have dog wardens you can contact.
- Within the M25 area, contact Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line
- Enter the microchip number at Check a Chip to see if animals have been handed into vets, shelters or the police (who may put animals up for adoption, if not claimed after 7 days).
Lost Pet Co Love is a US site to inspire. It matches up lost/found pets by state, and has reunited hundreds of thousands of pets and their guardians nationwide. Read their articles:
A ‘nose print’ facial recognition app
Many people are not fans of AI, and it’s true that it’s not to replace poets and actors. But for things like finding lost pets, it comes in mighty handy.
Petnow is an that lets you take a ‘noseprint’ (or ‘faceprint for cats), to register on the database. It’s also good to avoid custody disputes:
- Wipe off sand, dirt and debris, and ensure nose is brushed and dry
- Capture your pet’s face from the front, in a natural light setting.
- Keep the distance from your pet’s nose and the phone at 4 to 8 inches.
- Tilt your phone as your pet’s face moves.
Make use of good social media
Social media has its fault, but there are good people using it to help find lost pets. You could create a Next Door account (just set your boundary). Use this to report lost/found pets and any other news.
PawBoost has reunited over 2 million pets worldwide. List lost/found pets, then it lets you print flyers, and volunteers on their Rescue Squad get to work. The service is free (paid for by premium users who buy focused Facebook campaigns).
Create clear eye-catching posters
Missing Animal Response Network was founded by a former CSI detective, and her pet detectives use the same methods to track lost pets. She says that finding lost dogs and cats (indoor cats need humane trapping as most won’t turn up, if they hear your voice) needs different advice.
Her easy-to-design pet posters often lead to recovery of pets months afterwards, especially when placed correctly. She says to leave off one identifying mark, to ensure callers are genuine.
Alert local vets, shelters and everyone else
- Call or visit nearby vets, shelters and council pounds immediately, as many pets are brought in by neighbours or dog wardens (especially when pets bolt on hearing fireworks).
- Also place community notices in cafes, libraries, schools and churches. Many older people do not use the internet or social media.
- Animal Search UK has an army of volunteers to search local areas. Founded by a former policeman, you can also pay to employ experts who are insured to go in sheds and up ladders.
Action to take on pet theft
- Create a neighbourhood watch (where people look out for each other), so know if someone strange is in the area, so they can alert others.
- After years of campaigning, pet theft is now thankfully a criminal offence. So call the police with microchip numbers and vehicle registration, and log a crime reference number. Insurance companies also usually will help to pay for pet detectives.
