Tips for How to Find Your Missing Pet

Millions of Americans own pets. For many, they hold the status of cherished family member, so when the pets go missing, it is devastating. My own "buddy" has been gone since Saturday, and as the hours and days tick by without a single sign of him, I am rapidly losing hope of his safe return. I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and my three children are distraught. In my search for my missing cat, I have come across some very good information as to what to do to find him.

Obviously, the best thing you can do for your pet is to prevent him from being lost in the first place. Ideally, cats shouldn't go outside at all. It isn't cruel to keep them in the house. As a matter of fact, indoor cats live much longer lives and are healthier overall then cats who go outdoors. If you feel you must take them outdoors, you should put them on a harness. Many cats can squirm out of a collar and a leash in a heartbeat, so a harness is a better choice. Dogs should always be on a leash or on a run when outdoors. All animals should wear a collar with tags with a current phone number and a current rabies vaccination tag, even if they don't go outdoors. My cat is a veritable Houdini and can escape the confines of the house in one second flat.

The rabies vaccination tag is particularly important, even more so than a phone number tag because an animal can be traced by its number. Also, if you happen to live in an area that is under rabies quarantine, stray animals are required to be euthanized without proof of the vaccination. It would be absolutely heartbreaking to learn that your pet had been destroyed for lack of a small metal tag.

Micro-chipping your pet is also a popular way of identifying your animal. A small device is inserted under the skin of your pet and can be scanned by a vet or shelter in the event that your pet is dropped off. Make sure to keep all your information current with the microchip company so that you can be immediately reached if something happens.