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What do I do if I have lost my pet?
It is important if your pet is lost that you stay calm and decide on the best way to try and find them. There are many bases to cover when looking for your pet, and the more you cover, the higher the chances of success.
Tell your local RSPCA Branch:
Register your pet's details and your personal contact details on the Lost and Found Register at your nearest RSPCA shelter.
Search Your Neighbourhood:
Tell your neighbours your pet is lost and ask if they have seen it recently. Walk around your neighbourhood and call your pet's name. Concentrate on the areas you walk or visit regularly. Print up flyers and distribute them around your neighbourhood, in shop or residential windows.
Use the Local Media:
Advertise in your local papers under the lost and found sections. Ask the local radio stations as some make announcements regarding lost pets.
Visit your local RSPCA Animal Shelters:
It is best to personally visit local animal shelters as identifying an animal over the phone can be difficult. Contact the shelter several times as it may be a number of days before the animal arrives.
Contact your local Council and visit the "Pound":
Some councils don't operate their own pounds these days, and use either a pound operated by another council, or a private contractor. Again it's best to personally visit local pounds as identifying an animal over the phone can be difficult. Contact the pound several times as it may be a number of days before the animal arrives in the pound. Someone may have cared for the animal for a few days before contacting the council.
RSPCA Northern Branch also operates the "Pound" on behalf of the Launceston City Council. The council's Animal Control Department collects any stray animals and takes them directly to the RSPCA which hold the pets for a period until collected by their owners. Any pets that are not reunited with their owners are transferred for RSPCA adoptions. Elsewhere in Tasmania, the "pounds" are operated separately.
Contact your local Vet Practices:
Many may have "Lost and found boards".
Contact other animal welfare organisations:
Please also check your local telephone directory to see what animal rescue and protection organisations are in the area, just in case there are any newly-established organisations.
When reporting your pet as lost, make sure you:
- Include a contact name and number
- Give a detailed description of your pet including any identifiable marks / characteristics. Describe the pet as well as stating the breed
- Include a colour photograph if possible
- Give what name your pet answers to
- Describe any identification they were wearing or if they have been microchipped
- Explain when and where your pet went missing from
- Include any specific information that could be useful to locate your pet
- Include a reward (if relevant)
Note that proof of ownership/identification of being the owner of the pet will normally be required when trying to trace or claim your pet. Be persistent. Remember frequent visits to RSPCA Shelters and "Pounds" ensure the strongest possibility of finding a lost animal. Great persistence may be necessary.