I lost my dog or cat: what to do first

In the first hour

1. Search the house. Look under beds, in closets and behind furniture. Shaking a food dish, treat jar or toy may bring a hiding pet out (ASPCA).
2. Search the neighborhood on foot or by car with a recent photo, and ask neighbors. Check under porches and shrubs, and ask neighbors to check sheds and garages (ASPCA).
3. Call the microchip company. Enter your pet's 9-, 10- or 15-digit number at the AAHA lookup to find which registry holds it. The tool doesn't show owner details and a chip may be registered somewhere it doesn't search. Make sure your phone number is current there.

The first day

1. Call local animal control, vet hospitals, city and private shelters and rescue groups. If there's no shelter nearby, call the police (ASPCA).
2. Visit shelters in person every day with a photo (ASPCA).
3. Make and post a flyer with one consistent design: use the poster maker.
4. Spread the word: email friends and family, and post in local lost-pet groups (ASPCA).

Don't give up

The ASPCA notes that many lost animals find their way home.

Next time: ID before it happens

Put a collar with a tag on every pet, even indoor pets, and keep the microchip registration current after a move or a new phone number (ASPCA). July 1 is National ID Your Pet Day, a good yearly date to check.