When the unthinkable happens and your pet goes missing, what do you do? In those first few moments of panic, sometimes we can’t think straight and we lose focus. Going out and checking your surrounding area and calling for your pet is a great start. If the pet missing is a cat, check nearby sheds, garages and under cars. Cats generally won’t go far and sometimes get trapped in an area on your own or neighbor’s property.

Dogs, being that they are very scent-driven, can and will travel a lot further. If your attempts are unsuccessful, start to get the word out there. Come to my Page, Lost Pets of The Hudson Valley (on Facebook), and post a picture with as much information as possible, including contact info. That last part is vital. If your pet is found or spotted, there has to be a quick and direct way to get in touch with you. Next, reach out to your local Animal Shelters and Vet Offices to alert them of this, just in case your pet is picked-up and brought to them. Call your local Dog Warden/Animal Control Officer and alert them too.

Making up flyers doesn’t hurt either. The more outlets you use, the better. Many recommend hanging your dirty clothes outside or use freshly-cooked meat to attract your pet back to your house. This has been very successful in the past. Also, the more people that you enlist to help you search on the ground, the better. The great part about LPOTHV’s Facebook Page is that so many people will see a post about a missing pet and if it’s in their area, they will go out and look too. It’s a wonderful thing when a community comes together to help a complete stranger in their time of need. We at LPOTHV will do our best to keep your pet’s info fresh and will post repeatedly until your pet is found.

If anyone has any other valuable info to share that might help someone in this case, please comment below.

Thank you,

-Bentley