What to Do If Your Dog or Cat is Lost

Few things are more stressful than realizing your dog or cat has gone missing. Whether your pet slipped out of a leash or through an open door, escaped the backyard, or has gotten away unexpectedly, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news is that acting quickly and knowing what to do can significantly improve the chances of bringing them home safely. Read on to learn the first steps to take after a pet goes missing, who to contact, and how to involve your community in the search.

Report Your Pet Missing Immediately

The very first thing you should do for a lost pet is file a missing animal report. If you live in Madison or the surrounding Dane County area, consider filing a report with the following organizations:

1. Lost Dogs of Wisconsin

https://www.lostdogsofwisconsin.org/lost-found-dogs

2. Lost Cats of Wisconsin FB Page

https://www.facebook.com/LostCatsofWisconsin

3. Animal Services

https://publichealthmdc.com/home-environment/get-help-with-animals

4. Dane County Humane Society

https://www.giveshelter.org/our-services/find-a-lost-pet

The sooner these organizations know your pet is missing, the more people can help watch for them.

If your pet has a microchip, it is also important to report your pet missing to the microchip company.

Let Others Know Your Pet Is Missing

Consider sharing a post to your own social media page, or to the Dane County WI Lost and Found Pets Facebook page. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for others to recognize and help locate your pet. 

You may want to include:

• Recent photos

• Where your pet was last spotted

• Collar color

• Any identifying features

• Any other important information about your pet

  
  

If you're fostering through Underdog and one of your foster pets goes missing, be sure to make a post in the Foster Facebook Group as well!

Use What You Know About Your Pet

Every pet is different. Think about what your dog or cat enjoys and use that knowledge to help encourage them to come back.

For dogs, this may include:

• Having their favorite treats ready

• Calling them the way they like to be called

• Bringing along a favorite toy

• Following them with your car and opening the door when you get near (if they enjoy car rides)

• Bringing another familiar pet on a leash if you think it may encourage them to return

  
  

For cats, searching quietly around your home and neighborhood by foot and by car is a helpful first step. 

• Calmly call your cat’s name and make a familiar and attractive noise, such as shaking a can of treats.

• Look in nearby hiding places, such as under porches or cars or behind bushes.

  
  

Most cats don’t travel too far and are likely hiding close by. Visit Pet FBI for additional tips and resources.

It is very important to avoid chasing your pet. A frightened animal may continue running even if they recognize you.

Ask Your Community for Help

As you search, let your neighbors know your pet is missing and if fostering, ask fellow foster homes to help keep an eye out.

If possible, give neighbors your address or contact information so they know how to reach you if they spot your pet or are able to safely contain them. Remind people not to chase the animal and instead immediately contact you with the location of where the pet was seen.

The more people looking, the better your chances of a happy reunion.

Create Flyers

Create flyers about your pet and post them throughout the area where your pet was last seen.

Be sure to include:

• A recent photo

• Your contact information

• Where your pet was last spotted

• Any important identifying information

  
  

Many pets are reunited because someone recognizes them from a flyer or social media post.

Before Your Pet Ever Goes Missing

We hope you never have to use the steps above but preparing in advance can make all the difference if your pet ever gets lost.

Here are a few simple ways to be ready:

• Make sure your pet's microchip registration is up to date. A microchip is only helpful if the contact information linked to it is current. If your pet does not yet have a microchip, Underdog offers this service to our clients for $20. 

• Keep your pet's ID tags up to date with your current phone number.

• Save recent photos of your pet on your phone. Having clear, recent pictures makes it much easier to create flyers and social media posts quickly.

  
  

Found a Stray Dog or Cat?

One of the quickest ways to help reunite a lost pet with their family is to check whether they have a microchip.

Underdog's Community Resource Center has a free public microchip scanner available 24/7 for anyone to use.

If you've found a stray dog or cat, you can stop by the resource center at 2508 S. Stoughton Road, Madison and scan them for a microchip. If a chip is found, you'll still need to contact the appropriate microchip registry, but checking for a microchip is often one of the fastest first steps toward reuniting a pet with their family.

We Hope This Guide Helps Bring Your Pet Home

Losing a pet is frightening, but you don't have to go through it alone.

By acting quickly, reporting your pet missing, involving your community, and using the resources available, you can greatly improve the chances of bringing your pet home safely.