If you have LOST a Pet

1. Search for your missing pet on foot, by car, during the day and night.  Look in ditches, behind bushes, in garages, behind buildings, in culverts, knock on neighbors doors - anywhere your pet could be.  Enlist neighbors and friends to help in the search.  Call and whistle to your pet.  Keep searching.  Many pets will reappear after weeks or months of being away from home.
    
2. Contact your local law enforcement office to report your missing pet.
    
3. Tell friends, neighbors, your mail and newspaper carriers, delivery people, babysitters, neighborhood kids that your pet is missing - anyone who might come across your missing pet.
    
4. Post notices on local bulletin boards in stores, groceries, churches, veterinary offices, libraries and other high visibility locations.  Include a complete description of your pet including any special medical needs, where it was last seen, a photograph, your name, address, and telephone number, as well as any reward that you might be offering.
    
5. Place advertisements in your local newspaper(s) and frequently check the "found" columns.
    
6. Contact breed clubs or breed Rescue Groups if your missing pet is a purebred.
    
7. Contact and visit one or more of the Animal Welfare Groups listed on Petfinder.com.  Contact and visit them often.  The animals they have on hand change on a daily basis.  Don't rely on over the telephone descriptions.  Visit the facilities in person and look for yourself.
    
8. Don't limit your search to just your immediate area.  Consider neighboring communities, cities, counties and contact resources in these areas as well.
    
9. Provide us with a description and a photograph of your pet (.jpg file) and we will post the information in our clinic.  Send the information to us at WBAH@comcast.net.
    
10. Search for your pet or post a lost pet notice on HelpMeFindMyPet.com, MissingPets.com or DogDetective.com.

If you have FOUND a Pet

1. Thoroughly inspect the pet for any identifying information - collars, tags or tattoos (often located in one or both ears or in the inguinal/inner thigh areas.
    
2. Compile a complete description of the pet being sure to include any unique markings or attributes.
    
3. Contact your local law enforcement office to report the found pet.
    
4. Place notices in your local veterinary offices, grocery stores, restaurants, libraries and other high visibility locations.
    
5. Place a notification in your local newspaper(s) regarding the found pet.
    
6. Contact one or more of the Animal Welfare Groups listed on Petfinder.com.
    
7. Provide us with a description and a photograph of your pet (.jpg file) and we will post the information in our clinic.  Send the information to us at WBAH@comcast.net.
    
8. Search for a matching pet on HelpMeFindMyPet.com, MissingPets.com or DogDetective.com.
    
9. If you have found sick or injured wildlife, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at (651) 486-WILD (9453) or online at www.wrcmn.org.

Lost Pet Prevention

1. Make sure your pet can be identified at all times.  Collars with ID tags, Rabies tags, licenses and tattoos are good.  Microchips are best because they are truly permanent - cannot be lost or easily removed.  Visit our Links of Interest page for lists of various products.
    
2. Keep your pet confined to your yard, in your house or on a leash at all times.  Consider traditional fencing or an electronic pet containment system for your yard.  Visit our Links of Interest page for lists of various products.
    
3. Make sure your pet obeys basic commands and will come when you call him or her.
    
4. Have your pet surgically sterilized.  Spayed or neutered pets are less likely to stray from home and are less attractive targets for thieves.