What to Do When You've Lost a Pet

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help.

Lost a Pet? DoNotPay Can Help!

From a cat or dog to a hamster and a ferret, losing a pet is traumatic, and you scramble to find them quickly. Fortunately, the hamster and ferret are probably hiding out somewhere in your home, but a cat or dog can be anywhere.

You need to file a report and make sure your friends and neighbors are aware that they need to look out for a lost pet. How do you file a report? You can and any one of a dozen websites and Facebook groups to file a report. However, it takes time, and you don't have it to waste. DoNotPay can .

Steps to Take When You Lose A Pet

Quick action is always best when you've lost a pet. Time is of the essence and none should be wasted. Here are a few actions to take:

  1. app
  2. Call or visit the local animal shelter and let them know that you've lost a pet
  3. Someone needs to remain at your home in case your pet returns
  4. Scour your neighborhood for the pet
  5. Post your pet's photo on social media and ask for help locating them

Is It Possible to Find Lost Dogs?

When you lose a pet, you need to act immediately and sound the alarms as soon as possible. The chances of finding a missing dog lies with how . Almost half of lost dogs are found in their neighborhoods. It's important to note that your best chance of finding a lost pet is in the first 24 hours.

Do Cats Find Their Way Home?

Cats are pros at finding their way home. In most cases, an indoor cat that's escaped outside will hide nearby and become too scared to come out. Outdoor cats can wander too far away and still find their way home. Some scientists believe this is due to their sense of smell.

With that being said, it is still not advisable to not ensure your cat’s safety.

Contact Your Local Animal Control or Animal Shelter When You’ve Lost a Pet

When people find a lost pet without a collar or identification, they usually . Your report of a lost pet to one of these departments helps to increase your chances of getting your pet back.

How to Avoid Losing a Pet

Prevention is better than cure. To be a responsible owner, you need to take steps to avoid losing a pet. Here are some things you can do::

  1. Buy leashes and collars that fit snugly
  2. Ensure that all doors and gates are kept closed
  3. Ask your vet to implant a microchip
  4. Stay with your pet when they're outdoors

How to Report a Lost Pet By Yourself

To file a report, you need to contact your local animal control department or animal shelter. Some offices may allow you to file a lost pet report over the phone, while others want you to do it in person. You can also resolve to posting in Facebook groups in your area. This way, people in your immediate vicinity can also be on the lookout for your lost pet.

Filing a Lost Pet Report the Easier Way Using DoNotPay

You don't have a minute to waste when you've lost a pet. You want to file a report and get others looking for your cat or dog as soon as you can. However, it can be hard to know which way to turn, especially when you're worried about your furry friend. DoNotPay can help you file a report and get the word out about your missing pet sooner to .

Here's how you can use DoNotPay to report lost and found pets:

  1. Search "lost and found pets" on DoNotPay, and select whether you're reporting a lost pet or a pet you've found.
  2. Enter the date and location you lost or found the pet and tell us more about them, including the breed, gender, whether they are wearing a collar, approximate size, and more.
  3. Upload evidence a photo of the pet, so they can be identified, and enter your current contact information where you can be reached with updates.

And that's it! DoNotPay will file the report on your behalf, and make sure your lost or found pet gets recorded in the government directory and they know who to contact if they find a match!

​​Why Use DoNotPay to File a Report When You've Lost a Pet

There’s no time to waste trying to figure out how to file a report and let others know that your beloved pet is missing. DoNotPay is your best option to finding them sooner and here’s why:

DoNotPay is quick!The app is designed so that you find what you need easily, eliminating unnecessary waste of time and allowing you to get your problems solved faster.
It’s easy!DoNotPay simplified the entire process to make it easier and trouble-free especially at a highly stressful time such as when someone’s pet is missing.
DoNotPay gets results!We have a great track record of helping our clients with all the unexpected problems that arise in life. From waiving unwanted fees to reporting lost pets, DoNotPay does it faster and better because we’ve done it before.

DoNotPay Works Across All Groups With the Click of a Button

You have a list of concerns when you've lost a pet, and DoNotPay can provide you with a lot of information on varied subjects. You can also help friends and family members if they have a pet go missing. Here's a place to start:

What Else Can DoNotPay Help You With?

Once your lost pet is back home, you can use DoNotPay to do a variety of other things. Here's a look at a few to get you started:

Use DoNotPay when you've lost a pet today!

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