Losing a pet is a truly distressing situation. However, it is important that you stay calm and do not lose hope. Remember that most missing pets return to their family after a short period of time. However, what you do in the first 24 hours is crucial to finding your four-legged friend. Here’s what to do if you can’t find your furry friend.
Search the whole house
Your pet could have been hiding somewhere in the house if it has become frightened or upset. So before you panic and search the neighborhood, it is best to do a thorough inspection of the house to see if it is hidden in any corner.
You should check inside cabinets and bedrooms in case your pet tries to hide or is accidentally locked in a room. If you can, also look under each piece of furniture and each appliance.
Use food and toys to attract your pet
Whether you are looking for your pet indoors or outdoors, using food and toys will help you capture the attention of your furry companion. Thus, if he is still in the area, he is likely to run (or at least make noise) when he hears the sound of his favorite toys.
You can also shake a plate full of food or snacks to make noise. In this way, if your pet is at home, he will hear the sound of food or toys and will immediately come out of his hiding place.
Put food outside the house
If you can’t find your pet indoors, a good option is to place your pet’s food outside (on the porch, garage, or garden if possible). Thus, if your dog or cat returns, it will know that its food is there and it will recognize its home.
Also, your pet most likely wo n’t stray too far from home, so chances are good that your pet will recognize the odors in your home.
Look for your pet at night
Many pets (especially cats) hide from people during the day and wander down the street in the evening, when there is less noise and they feel less danger. Therefore , you should not lose hope of finding it.
Also, if you go out at night you should take a flashlight with you, as it will help you better check dark places. Be sure to check out the most typical hiding places for animals, such as porches, bushes, or under cars.
