- The 2nd guest column by Junior Ambassador Lydia Steger that has details and contact information on what to do when you've either lost or found a pet -
Hello! It's been a long time but I've been busy. Sadly, a lot of animals are lost. Here are some steps to do when you lose or find a pet: What To Do When You Lose A Pet 1. Be sure to get information like the time and nearest cross streets or address where last seen. 2. File a lost pet report with Animal Services right away - here is contact information for the ones in our area:
* Sarasota County Animal Services: 941-861-9501 (after hours: 941-316-1201), plus you you can also email a photo of your pet along with a description of your pet, details where last seen, and your contact info to: lostandfound@sarasotasheriff.org
* Manatee County Animal Services: 941-742-5933 (after hours: 941-745-8559)
* Charlotte County Animal Services: 941-833-5690 (after hours: 941-639-2101)
3. Post your missing pet online: * Go to LostFoundPets941 to report and get tips
* Facebook - Lost & Found Pets 941 (Lost Pet Services) is a good page that makes a free flyer for you plus it automatically sends it to all local shelters! Then share the flyer on your personal page and change the privacy setting to 'Public' post * Share on Nextdoor * Post and search on 24Petconnect and Petco Love Lost 4. Notify your microchip company and update your information if needed. 5. Knock on neighbors' doors, search under sheds, shrubs, desk, and under lifted houses - carry a leash so people will know that you need help finding a lost pet. 6. Put a sign in your front yard that says "Lost pet lives here". 7. Hang flyers all over the area where the lost pet was last seen. 8. Visit shelters yourself (shelter photos can look very different from your pet) 9. Put scent items outside - worn clothes, blankets or litter box
What To Do When You Find A Pet 1. Capture and contain the pet with care (if too aggressive, call the authorities at the Animal Services numbers above) 2. Check for tags * If name and number is on the tag call that number, but let the person describe the pet. Don't give information on the pet unless described well! 3. Walk around and check with neighbors 4. Call all shelters in your area (see Animal Services numbers above) 5. Get the pet scanned for a microchip * This can be done by a shelter or a vet's office (call in advance) 6. Post the found pet online: * Go to LostFoundPets941 to report and get tips
* Facebook - Lost & Found Pets 941 (Lost Pet Services) * Share on Nextdoor * Post on Petco Love Lost
7. If nobody responds after a reasonable time, call Animal Services at the numbers above for next steps
Thank you. I hope that was helpful. Stay safe!!
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