Tips for searching for your missing pet

Losing a pet is a very distressing time for owners, in the event your pet goes missing thoroughly search your home and check under buildings, inside sheds, and other dark spots.

The Animal Welfare League Queensland (ALWQ) recommends these seven steps when looking for a lost pet.

Step one

Knock on doors and ask to search neighbouring properties. Ask your neighbours, family and friends to help you search the places that might attract your pet. Think about nearby friends’ homes, parks, homes with other pets, buildings with dumpsters, food establishments, which your pet might like.

Step two

Make simple fliers to distribute to your neighbours and giant neon posters for street poles or in local shops. Produce a flier on-line. Include lost cat/dog, a photo of your pet, your phone number and any unique features. Check with your Council on laws related to displaying community posters.

Step three

Contact all your local shelters and pounds and vet clinics on the first day, and visit to view all cats or dogs in the pound/shelter every 1-3 days.

Step four

Contact the microchip company your pet is registered with to check the details registered with them are correct.

Step five

Utilise local lost and found and community web and social media sites to list your lost pet like Lost pet finders.

Step six

Pets are often found weeks or months after they go missing. Using all these search steps will give you the best chance of being reunited.

Step seven

When you find your pet thank the people who helped you search, share your happy news with neighbours, vets and businesses and take down posters. Help prevent losing your pet again by an up-to-date microchip, collar with current phone number, desexing and effective containment on your property.