Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society

According to the American Animal Hospital Association's 1995 Pet Owner Survey, roughly 30 percent of people who have companion animals, have lost the animal at one point in time.  With that in mind, we offer these tips for finding your special dog or cat:

1. Act immediately!  Start your search right away.  Don't wait to see if your pet will return on its own.

2. Rally your family and friends and start searching, moving in ever wider circles. 

3. Call your local animal shelters, animal control officers & police departments, veterinarians, and humane organizations in your area.  Visit the shelters in person, and check frequently.  If your companion animal is brought to a shelter, you have a better chance recognizing the animal than anyone else.

4. Check with neighbors on a regular basis, and put up signs around your neighborhood.  Include a photo and description of the animal,  your phone number, and how long he or she has been missing.

5. Place a "lost pet" ad in your local newspaper.  Be certain to check the "found" ads in the newspaper daily.  Many area veterinarian offices and animal shelter have "lost and found" bulletin boards, also.  Offer a reward!

6. If you know the animal is in a certain area but will not come to you, keep food, a familiar blanket or towel with your smell.  Consider setting a live trap where you leave the food.  Many local shelters rent Hav-a-Heart traps for a small fee, and they can give you clear advice.  This will become a process: moving the food closer to the trap, then inside for a few days, then deeper inside, then, on a day when you are able to watch it, setting the trap.

Below are some tips to help prevent losing your companion:

1. Always know the whereabouts of your companion, and never let he or she roam the neighborhood on its own.

2. Put a collar on your animal with a tag stating your last name, address and phone number.

3. Microchip your companion.  This a a fairly new tracking device that has proven to be extremely helpful in reuniting your lost friend with his or her family.  The Pioneer Valley Humane Society provides Microchipping for a small fee.  To bring your companion in for a Microchip, please call PVHS at 413-773-3148.  To find out more information about Microchipping, click here.

Leverett Adoption Center open 7 days a week.  Click here for hours. 413-548-9898 

Greenfield Rescue & Rehabilitation Center is open by appointment only 413-773-3148 

Site created by Marianne Monoc Copyright © 2003 Pioneer Valley Humane Society