August 15th is Check the Chip Day. This day reminds pet parents to verify and update their fur-kid’s microchip contact information. Having the most up-to-date information in their microchip is very important and can be a great help if you ever find yourself looking for your pet. When a pet is turned in to a shelter, they will be scanned for a microchip.
We’ve also created a list of things to do if your pet ever goes missing, and the steps to take to bring them back home.
We realize that this is a very distressing time. Take a deep breath and stay as calm as you can while taking immediate action. Make sure to thoroughly search your home and neighborhood for your pet. They tend to stay close to home when frightened. Kindly ask your neighbors if they can check in their backyards, garages, or any areas where a scared pet may hide.
Your next step should be to call your pet’s microchip registry to flag them as missing. Call and visit local shelters to provide a description or photo of your pet. It’s also a good idea to look around your neighborhood at night. Use a flashlight to look around. Leave familiar scents outside your home, like beds, used litter boxes, worn clothing, shoes, or toys. This may help your pet recognize your home.
Many apps or websites are made to help you find your pet. Use resources such as Nextdoor to post clear and recent photos of your pet. You can also post photos on local Facebook lost-and-found groups. Be sure to include the last known location, including cross streets, the date they went missing, as well as any information people need to know in order to help find your pet. You might also want to consider registering your pet on national databases such as Petco Love Lost and Pawboost.
You can also hang flyers around your neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods. Make sure they are highly visible. Include a photo of your pet, their breed, any distinct markings, their last-seen location, and your phone number. Hang them around local intersections, local parks, nearby stores, local vet offices, and any other high-traffic areas near your home.
We hope these tips were helpful in case you ever find yourself in this position. Remember to stay calm, take deep breaths, and ask friends or family for their help to avoid overwhelming yourself. And remember to update your pet’s microchip information.