How to recover a lost pet after the Fourth of July.The fourth of July is traditionally a busy time for lost pet detection. Pets frightened by the fireworks may panic and run away not paying attention to where they are going or responding to their owners calls for them. A frightened dog can cover a lot of miles in a hurry even a small dog!Some things you can do before the festivities begin

  1. If you know your pet is a little uncomfortable with loud noises make sure he is secured comfortably in a safe place in the house, before they start.
  2. Have a current photograph of your pet
  3. Make sure your pet is wearing his ID – I can’t tell you how many times folks have lost their pet and just happened to take the collar with tags off that morning.
  4. Use reflective collars and harnesses so that your pet is more visible.

 

If your pet bolts from fear 

  1.  Stay calm try to follow safely Try to keep him in sight, at least you will get an idea of which way your pet is heading. Mark the point last seen.
  2.  Call your pet and approach calmly if you run panicked toward him chances are good he will just run away faster.
  3. Have someone call houses in the area or drive to them to ask them to keep a look out.

If your pet is lost

  1. Contact any animal control and animal shelter agencies in the area.
  2. Contact any breed specific rescues in your state
  3. Print fliers or hand outs these are one-page signs with a photograph of your pet, and a little about your pet and your contact information. Hand them out to people you see give them to households in any area that may have sightings and post them in high traffic areas coffee shops, stores, businesses etc.
  4. Make posters, these are large banners that have minimal information “lost xxx” a photograph and your phone number. The significant thing is the phone number and photographs are large enough to see from a car on the road without having to get out walk up and read it. Hang them at busy intersections where the traffic stops. Get homeowner permission and/or make sure you are not breaking any community rules.
  5. Contact local veterinarians and animal hospitals
  6. List your pet on Internet lost and found sites.
  7. If you have no idea where your pet may have run to or your pet was dragging a leash and may be snagged or you are not getting any sightings consider hiring a trailing pet detection dog to help you get a direction of travel or area to start searching.
  8. Good Luck!!