Bedford County

Begin your search right away. Contact any lost and found pet registries in your area. For lost pure breeds contact notify any clubs and rescue organization in your area.

Leave a scent: If you have a dog bed, dog blanket or anything with your pets smell on it leave it outside at the front door of the dogs home. An unwashed piece of your clothing may help him or her to pick up the scent of you and home. If you leave food outside and the bowl is empty that does not necessarily means your pet ate it. Food attracts other animals and they will eat it if the opportunity is given.

Search on foot or bicycle. While doing so you will leave your scent behind for your animal. Ask neighbors, neighborhood kids mail carriers, newspaper carriers, utility workers or any other workers working in your area if they seen your pet. Take your pet’s favorite toy or treat with you along with a leash or towel. If you have a picture, take it with you.

Call all animal control authorities within the immediate and surrounding jurisdictions. Go in Person! A phone call is not sufficient. People describe animals differently and in a busy shelter environment your companion animal could be overlooked. It is always best to look for yourself.

Give a complete description such as: Collar(s), color and type; Tags, color and type; Type Pet, Breed, Sex, Age, Size, Colors, and the Date and Location the pet was lost. Ask for the location of holding areas, what the mandatory hold requirement is, the days and hours of operation, how often you should contact them, and if they will accept a flyer.

Call all area Veterinary clinics. Had deliver or fax a flyer to every clinic

Place ads in the newspaper. Give a complete description and phone numbers to be reached at.

Call Radio and Television Stations. Many stations will air public service announcements (PSAs) for individuals who have lost pets. Provide them with detailed information.

Post flyers with permission in as many places as possible. Distribute flyers door-to-door at private residences and commercial establishments with public bulletin boards such as grocery stores, laundries, apartment complexes, filing stations and parks, animal shelter, animal control, pet supply stores, medical offices, gas stations, banks schools etc.

Sample flyers: Reward Flyer                       Lost Cat Flyer                      Lost Dog Flyer

Record a lost pet message on your voicemail or answering machine. Record your message before fliers are distributed. Sample message: “If you are calling about our lost pet, please leave a message or call…..(a second telephone number such as 123-456-7890) thank you”.