Have you lost a pet?
CHECK THE HUMANE SOCIETY. Call the shelter during business hours and report your lost pet. Even if it seems your pet has not been found, it is best to visit the shelter and see for yourself if your pet has been brought in. We cannot emphasize how important it is for you to stop by the shelter at least every other day to check to see if your pet was brought in. Staff are not always informed about new arrivals and cannot correctly identify breed or age in 100% of cases. Your description over the phone cannot substitute for a look through our kennels. Not all pets are listed on our website. Some additional pet photos are shared on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/skagithumane, so check there too!
CHECK CRAIGSLIST. Finders often list pets on Craigslist or other websites, and not all stray animals are brought to the Humane Society. Look in the Pets, Farm & Garden, and Lost & Found sections.
DO NOT GIVE UP! Occasionally people will feed an animal for days or even weeks before turning it in to the Humane Society. Keep checking back.
MAKE POSTERS. Make a poster with a picture of your lost pet and large print words indicating "LOST DOG" or "LOST CAT". Print as many as possible, and place them around town (especially near your home or where the animal was last seen), at local veterinary clinics, and at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. Circulate posters to as many locations as possible (local businesses, shopping malls, telephone poles, pet stores, etc.). Offering a reward will help motivate people to look for your lost pet. You do not need to specify the amount of the reward on your flyer if you do not want to.
CALL YOUR MICROCHIP HOTLINE. If your pet has been microchipped, call the microchip hotline. If you don't have the phone number, try calling the shelter or veterinary clinic where your pet got microchipped. They should be able to provide you with the correct contact information.
CHECK WITH VETS. Check with your local veterinary clinics to see if anyone has found or brought in your animal. Notify your veterinarian that your pet is lost.
PLACE AN AD. You can place an ad with the Skagit Valley Herald for lost animals for a small fee. You may call their classifieds department at (360) 424-4567 to place the ad or you may send them an e-mail atclassified@skagitvalleyherald.com.
USE THE MEDIA. Check with local radio and TV stations to see if they offer lost & found services. Use the web to your advantage.
INVEST TIME AND ENERGY. Be sure to check in and around your neighborhood. Take the time to walk around and call to your pet. Be sure to carry a leash and some food to help lure your pet. Drive around your neighborhood at night since some lost pets will hide during the day; they may even recognize the sound of your car. Finally, KEEP CHECKING THE SHELTER. Strays sometimes turn up weeks or months after they were lost. It is never too late to be reunited.
