How will you find your pet after a disaster?
Three Things You Can Do
After a disaster like a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, or flood, families often become separated from their pets. This can be a very traumatic time for both the family and the pet. Here are a few basic tips that can help you be reunited with your pets.
1. Conduct A Thorough Search The first thing you will want to do is contact your local Animal Care and Control to see if they have your pet. If they don’t, you should immediately start going door-to-door and talk to your neighbors. Leave your name, address and phone number plus a complete description of your pet. Make it easy for people to contact you if they see or find your pet. Then get friends and family members to canvass the neighborhood and surrounding areas.
2. Visit Shelters Visit your local animal shelter daily. It is important that you go in person, because only you can identify your pet. Visit all the private shelters in your area and neighboring communities as well. Also, there are a number of rescue organizations which publish current lists and photos of found pets on the internet.
3. Make Posters and Create an Ad Make a poster with a recent picture of your pet to alert people to be on the lookout. Make small tear-offs, if someone sees your pet, they can easily tear off the tab and call. Provide general information but avoid putting too much detail about your pet on the poster. There are con-artists who may use this information to claim they have your pet and try to scam you.
Watch Out For Lost Pet Scams When a pet is lost, it is easy to become distraught. The desire to be re-united with a pet can make you vulnerable to predators who may try to take advantage of you and the situation. If someone calls and states that they have your pet, try to get a positive identification on your pet from the caller. Have specific details in mind that only you would know, that are not mentioned on your ads or posters. Think of a special question that only someone with your pet will be able to answer.
