• Walk or drive through the neighborhood calling your pet's name.

• Ask everyone you meet if they have seen your pet...mailmen, paperboys, and children in general are usually aware of a loose pet.

• Carry a recent picture of your pet with you and show it to people.

• Put up posters in veterinary offices and grooming shops.

• Your initial search should be to the dog's normal walking area.

• If you go to a park, search there.

• Start from your house turning in the direction you normally go on walks.

• Be aware that dogs normally travel in a circle, but the area may be larger than your normal walk.

• If your dog knows other dogs, go to their houses.

• If you have another dog, take it with you on foot searches.

• Contact you're nearest veterinarian in case of an accident.

• Contact your local animal control and those in adjoining areas (dogs travel across township boundaries), as well as the local police.

• Make posters to put up in local stores and gas stations. Always ask permission.

• Post pictures that show a head-on and side view of your pet.

• Leave the gate open if you have a fenced yard.

• If your dog is crate-trained, leave an open crate on your property with the dog's blanket in it.

Lost dogs are sometimes picked up by good samaritans who keep the dog and scan lost and found ads in the newspapers. It pays to advertise. Other times, lost dogs are picked up by good samaritans and driven long distances to a shelter or animal control miles from the area where the dog was found. If your dog is sighted and cannot be caught you may need to get a baited humane trap.

For cats

• Wait in an area where you think your cat may be at a quiet time of the day.

• Placing a dish of food within sight may help lure the cat out.

• Cats tend to remain in a small territory. Walk around in an area of about two to three blocks. Call the cat quietly and then listen for a response.

• Listen and look for any movement in the area. Check storm drains. Look up into trees. Talk calmly and quietly.

• Leave an article of clothing with your scent on it. If the cat returns it will normally be at night when it is quiet.

• Check neighborhood garages, vacant buildings, or new construction sites.

• Leave it alone and report it.

• Pick it up and take it to a shelter.

• Contact your local animal control/police department for pick up.

• Do not chase an animal in an effort to help. If the pet comes to you, be cautious about getting it under control.

• Make an effort to find the owner.

• Do not assume that the pet will get along with your pets.

• Leave any type of identification/collar on the pet.

• Describe the dog as looking like one or more breeds (coloration of a German Shepherd but built low like a Basset hound).

• Describe coat length (long, short, wiry, curly) and colors (the main color and any accent color).

• Note the eye color or colors.

• Tails are long or short, smooth or bushy.

• Note unusual marking and any scars, broken teeth, or physical characteristics.

• Note if it is wearing a collar or the collar has tags.

• Note the area and specific date where the pet was lost or found.

• Describe the cat carefully. Have a friend or family member read your written description for accuracy.
  

• Note the coat length (short, medium, long), color patterns, and any unusual markings.
  

• Note eye color and type of tail (smooth or bushy).
  

• Note any scars, broken teeth, or unusual number of toes.
  

• Note if it is wearing a collar, the area and specific date that it was lost or found.