ADOPT >> Lost Pets

Did you lose your pet?

HELP!!! I HAVE LOST MY PET!!

Here are some tips on how to find your lost pet:

Your first step would be to contact your local Animal Control in the Hamilton area call 905-574-3433, in Burlington call 905-335-3030 and in Stoney Creek call 905-643-8626.

Search your Neighbourhood

Walk or drive through your neighbourhood several times a day, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Ask neighbours and their children (kids often know more about the neighbourhood than working parents), letter carriers, joggers, garbage collectors, newspaper carriers and others to look out for your pet.

Visit Animal Shelters and the Animal Pound

Go and personally visit the animal shelters in your area - rather than phoning them. If you have a current picture of the animal, that would be very helpful in the process as well. Often shelters have many animals that might match your pets' description. Visit the shelter every 24 hours. If you don't have a shelter in your area you should contact the local police.

Try the Power of Scent

Try placing a recently worn piece of clothing or a blanket that belongs to the animal outside your front or back door. Animals often have a keen sense of smell and familiar smells can bring them home. For indoor cats place their litter box outside.

Put up Eye Catching Posters

Distribute flyers in as many public places you can think of: for example, grocery stores, community centres, churches, schools, pet stores, animal groomers, etc. If possible include a picture of your pet. Describe your pet in detail, including your pet's name. Include the date and place the animal was lost and a phone number where you can be reached. Mention any particular markings or the colour of your pet's collar in the write-up. Consider offering a nominal reward. (Beware of callers who say they have your pet and demand you send them money for the animal's return. Withhold one of yours pet's identifying characteristics so you can verify the honesty of a caller who is claiming to have found your pet.)

Place an Ad in the Paper

Place an ad in the lost column of local newspapers. Since many papers allow people to put "found" ads for free, check newspapers daily in case someone is trying to find you!

Use the Internet

There are many websites dedicated to helping lost & found animals be returned to their guardians. Unfortunately, many only cover the United States and do not include Canada. The following sites do include Canada, and may be a valuable resource for you to post either a lost or found animals, as well as search the listings to see if your missing pet is among them.

PetLynx: www.petlynx.net

All animals adopted from the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA are entered into the PetLynx database.

Check Animal Hospitals and Vet Clinics

If your pet was injured they may have been taken to a nearby veterinarian or animal hospital before being taken to the local animal shelter.

Was Your Pet Stolen?

It is far more likely your pet has strayed from home than he or she has been stolen. If you have evidence that leads you to believe that your pet was stolen, contact the local police and the SPCA. Permanent identification in the form of tattooing or microchip implant can help authorities track you animal.

Don't Give Up!

Continue to search for your pet even when there is little hope. Some animals who have been lost for months have been reunited with their guardians.

When Your Pet Returns

  • It is a good idea to have your veterinarian give your pet a check-up, especially if the animal has been missing for a considerable time.
  • Notify your local animal shelter and all surrounding shelters that you have found your pet.
  • Take down posters in neighbourhood.
  • If your pet did not have identification before it became lost, make sure you put I.D. on the animal now.
  • Note that the Hamilton\Burlington SPCA scans all incoming animals for microchip identification.
  • Keep your dog on a leash during walks.
  • If you own a cat, consider keeping it indoors. It is a myth that cats must be allowed outdoors. Even if your feline is currently an outdoor cat, it can be trained to stay in the house. Outdoor dangers include: parasites, poison, disease, traps, other animals and predators, cars, and abusive people.

BEFORE Your Pet Goes Missing

  • Your cat or dog should have external identification. Microchips and tattoos are becoming popular, but do not replace external I.D. The more identification the better.
  • Keep on file a detailed description - with a current colour photograph - of your pet. Pay special attention to details that will especially help identification (i.e. unusual markings).
  • Make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations.
  • Keep a list of local animal shelters handy.