So you've lost your pet?  What should you do?!  We've put together a quick little tip sheet to help guide you in the right direction to bringing home your lost pets.  Most are fairly obvious, but it never hurts to have a reminder!

• Check around home first!  As silly as it sounds, check everywhere around your house first.  Look everywhere you possibly can, even if it doesn't seem like a spot your pet would normally or could normally get to.  You'd be surprised where they can end up.  If there is a specific toy or sound that always brings them running, try using it as you look.  If they can't get out of where they are, they'll likely at least make some noise.   On that same note, it's a good idea to turn off anything that might be making additional noise (i.e. TV, Radio, Fans, etc.).  If they are in a tight spot they might not be able to make anything more than a whimper or faint sound.
• Canvas your neighborhood.  In a car, on foot, or even on bike, any amount of scouring the neighborhood (or area where they were lost) is always a good idea.  You can call neighbors at some point as well, or stop by front doors and ask in person.  It's a good idea to bring any pictures you might have to show to people you talk to.  Again, if you have a specific toy or sound (we had a cat that would always come to a fork clanking on a plate) that always draws the pet in, bring it with you.  You may look silly walking through the neighborhood squeaking a toy, but if it brings your pet back, who cares?
• Check local shelters.  Check with any local shelters or Humane Societies that normally take in stray animals.  Most have websites or lost pet finder you can look through or numbers you can call, but regardless you should always go in and check in person.  There are several reasons why going in personally is the better choice.  For one, websites and logbooks may not always have an up-to-date listing of all lost and found pets.  So even though they are not listed on a website or the operator at the shelter doesn't see your pet on the list, doesn't mean they aren't there yet.  Second, sometimes certain breeds can be hard to identify or may simply get misidentified.  So your pet may be there but simply not in the category you were looking under.  Lastly, you can fill out a lost pets form with the Shelter to let them know in case your pet comes in.  You should have as much information as possible with you to provide to them, including pictures and any license or microchip information.
• Advertise!  While out canvasing the neighborhood you can put up signs or pass them out to neighbors who are receptive.  You can put them up in pet shops (most provide a corkboard for such items) or anywhere else that might get more eyes looking for your pet.  Of course, websites such as this are also a good idea!  The more people that are looking the better, especially when it only takes a few seconds to create an ad.
• Watch for Scams!  Be aware that there are people out there always looking for an opportunity to scam people, especially when they are at their most desperate.  If someone does contact you about having found your pet, make sure to get a good description from them, preferably something that was not included in the ad if possible.  NEVER provide payment for any pet prior to actually seeing or receiving your pet.  Be especially wary of anyone who wants you to send money by wire or online.
• Lastly, DO NOT GIVE UP!!!  Some pets have been lost for days, weeks, even months before showing back up alive and well to their family!

While it is important to get out and talk to people to let them know about your lost pet, try and be careful when approaching anyone while looking for your pet, especially children.  Society today is especially sensitive to strangers approaching kids using the "I lost my pet" excuse.  If there is a child alone that you do not know it's best to not approach them or at the very least ask for their parents.