My pet is lost, what should I do?
A pet going missing is one of the worst things we can go through as pet-owners, as it is often an experience filled with worry, uncertainty and panic. At Blacks, we do our utmost to help owners find their lost pets and have strict procedures in place – updated in July 2017 – for all stray pets brought to us. These procedures have been checked according to the guidance issued by the RCVS and the RSPCA to help us take appropriate care of any stray pets we have in while they wait to be reunited with their family.
- Contact one of our branches. Try to include where and when they went missing or were last seen, if they were wearing a collar, if they are micro-chipped with up-to-date details and a thorough description of their appearance – including a photo is recommended. We will then be aware your pet is missing and can help keep an eye out for you.
- If your pet is micro-chipped, contact the micro-chipping company to make them aware too. If any vet practices search for the micro-chip number, the company will then be notified too.
- Other societies that we work with include K9 Search and Cat Alert who have great websites and Facebook pages to help reunite lost pets; contact the suitable page with your lost pet’s details to help reach many more potential finders.
- Have a read of our Stray Pet procedures; Blacks Vets Stray Dog Policy and Blacks Vets Stray Cat Policy so you are familiar with what may happen if your pet is brought to us as a stray by a member of the public. These policies are full of useful phone numbers too.
- And remember to stay hopeful, though we share the experience of losing a pet with many of our clients we also often see the wonderful reuniting of lost pets and their families – it can happen quickly or after a long period of time so don’t give up hope.