How to find a lost dog or cat [Checklist]

The thought of losing a pet is every owner's nightmare. Whether your cat is unusually missing at their regular kai time or your dog made a run for it on your morning walk, we know that your top priority is bringing your pet back home safe and sound.

We'll provide step-by-step advice on what to do when your pet goes missing, how to use tools and services for recovery, and ways to prevent future escapes. As usual, our expert vet, Dr Rosalind Holland (BVSc, MVM, MANZCVS), has some invaluable advice to help guide you through the stressful experience of searching for a lost dog or missing cat.

What happens when your pet goes missing?

When a pet goes missing, it's stressful for both the owner and the animal. A frightened and confused pet is at risk of straying further from home or getting injured. Taking action immediately can improve your chances of getting them home safely.

Dr Holland notes, "Lost pets can easily become scared and disoriented. Acting quickly helps to increase the chance of finding a lost animal." Knowing the proper steps to take in those first few hours is essential when dealing with a missing cat or dog. 

Steps to take in the first few hours

Step 1: Search the area and talk to neighbours

The first place to start your search is in the area where your pet was last seen, particularly if they have not been missing for very long. Many scared pets will find a place to hunker down and hide, so they may not be as far away as you think.

Talk to your neighbours and let them know of your missing pet. Ask them to check their properties, including sheds, garages, and under buildings. Showing a recent picture of your pet can help jog their memory of who they are looking for.

Dr Holland suggests using social media as well, "Look for local community groups and lost and found pet groups. Make sure you share a recent photo and all relevant information," she advises.

Step 2: Contact shelters and vet clinics

The next place to alert is your local council pound, animal shelters and vet clinics. If a member of your community finds your pet, this is where they may end up. Leaving these places with a detailed description of your pet means they can identify them quickly should they be brought in. Please note that all healthy found dogs are taken in by council pounds, whereas shelters like SPCA will look after injured animals and suspected owned cats.

You can also create flyers with a clear description and a recent photo of your pet. Distribute these around the neighbourhood and place them in local businesses including the shelters and vet clinics as they usually have designated lost and found community boards.

Step 3: Check and update microchip information

If your pet is microchipped, check that your contact details on the NZ Companion Animal Register are correct. Then, change your pet's status to missing.

Dr Holland emphasises the importance of this step, stating, "The microchip database in New Zealand is run by NZ Companion Animal Register; this is the main tool used to reunite owners with their lost pets."

Then, create a "lost pet" listing on the register with all the essential details of your pet. Regularly check the 'Found Pets' listings to see if your pet pops up – SPCA centres list all found animals on this website and encourages finders to do the same.

Tools and services for pet recovery

Aside from your own efforts in searching the area, putting up flyers, and chatting with neighbours, there is a wealth of online services for lost and found pets in New Zealand. As well as the NZ Companion Animals Register, here are some other popular places to start:

• Trade Me Lost & Found
• Lost Pet Finders
• Facebook pages, such as NZ Lost Pet Register or your local neighbourhood group
• Neighbourly (a way to chat with neighbours you may not see in person) or other community pages

Your local vet clinics are incredible resources, as they can keep an eye out for your pet and spread the word to their clients. As trusted pet carers, those who find lost cats and dogs often come to them first to check for a microchip so they can quickly reunite pets and owners. 

Bringing your lost pet home safely

Once your pet is found, approach them calmly and gently. They've likely been through a stressful experience, and a gentle approach will help reassure them. Have some familiar treats or their favourite toy handy to ease and reassure them.

Ensure you have a secure carrier or leash before attempting to transport them home. The last thing you want is for them to become frightened and bolt just as you've found them.

Once you find your lost pet, update all the listings and let everyone know that they have been found. This will help prevent unnecessary searches or incorrect sightings from being reported.

Preventing future escapes

"Keeping your pet secure is the most important way to prevent future escapes," Dr Holland emphasises.

For dogs, secure your yard with high fences and gates. If they tend to dig, consider placing rocks or a mesh barrier along the bottom of the fence. It's also important to ensure your gate is always closed and latched properly.

For cats, keep them indoors with an enriched environment or have an enclosed outdoor space –  a "catio" – where they can enjoy the outdoors without roaming. You can also fence your balcony or garden with pet nets or attach rolling bars to the top of fencing to keep cats in the garden.

All animals should be provided with lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied with their home environment, especially when you aren’t home, limiting the desire to roam.

If they aren't already, consider desexing your pet. Aside from the health benefits, it can also contribute to a decreased desire to roam.

Supervise your pet when they are outside, especially if you are in unfamiliar environments, when walking your dog consider a harness or halter rather than a slip lead or collar as these tend to be more secure.

Ensuring your pet is microchipped

A microchip is a small device implanted under your pet’s skin, containing a unique identification number. Dr Holland explains, "It can be easily inserted by a vet or trained operator and is often done at the time of desexing." A microchipped pet is three-times more likely to be reunited with their owner than a non-microchipped one.

Collar and identification tagging

While microchips are crucial, collars with identification tags provide immediate visible information. It's also helpful to write your phone number inside the collar with a marker pen. This ensures that even if the tag gets lost, your contact details remain with your pet.

Additional tech solutions

For pets that are habitual wanderers, consider investing in additional tech solutions like GPS tracking collars. These devices offer real-time location tracking, allowing you to find your pet quickly if they go missing.

Homeward bound

If your pet isn't found quickly, don't give up hope. Keep updating and checking these online services for six months or so. You'll be surprised by how many pets return home or are reunited after a long period of time.

Being prepared and proactive is key to ensuring your pet's safety and increasing the chances of bringing your beloved pet home. Always keep your contact information up to date on your pets register to assist in a quicker reunion.

For further protection and peace of mind, you may want to consider pet insurance. With SPCA Pet Insurance you focus on addressing any injuries or illnesses without worrying about the financial burden. Get a quote online today to learn more.

Download now: How to find a lost dog or cat [Checklist]