Life Family Pets Everything You Need to Do to Keep Your Pets from Going Missing Keep your dog or cat from going missing—and know what to do if they do. By Juno DeMelo Juno DeMelo Juno DeMelo has written Real Simple's Pet Tricks column since 2019. Before becoming a freelance journalist, she worked for 10 years as a magazine editor covering food and fitness. She's appeared on Good Morning America; been interviewed for WBUR's Here & Now; and had her work published by The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Real Simple. She has had dogs—and one cat—her entire life. Highlights: * Pet tricks columnist * Magazine editor for 10 years * Has written for The New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, NPR, McSweeney's, The Cut, InStyle, Allure, Vice, Refinery29, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, The Oprah Magazine, Women's Health, Men's Journal, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Better Homes and Gardens, Woman's Day, Health, EatingWell, and Parents Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 28, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email No one wants to think about the possibility of having a beloved pet go missing, but it's a reality over which all pet owners should take precautions. While you can't guarantee a skittish cat or adventurous dog will never get lost or run loose—and it's easier to assume "oh, that won't happen to my pet"—it's your responsibility to be proactive about prevention and prepared for what to do in the event your pet does go missing. Here are the biggest tips all pet owners need to know to keep their furry family members safe and sound. Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Here Are the Pros and Cons to Consider 1. Practice Prevention Even indoor cats should wear a collar with a tag that displays a phone number and other relevant contact info. Get your pet microchipped by a vet too—that way, if his collar comes off, anyone can have his chip scanned at a vet's office or shelter. (Remember to keep your contact details up-to-date in the microchip registry.) If you allow your dog in the yard, make sure your fence is secure. And if your pet is prone to bolting when guests come over, keep him in his crate or in a room with the door closed. 2. Act Immediately If your pup is loose, canvass the area with treats in hand, calling his name. Show his picture to neighbors and post on your social media accounts or local Listserv. Your dog may take off when chased, so if you spot him, run away while shouting his name excitedly to get him to follow you. Entice a skittish dog to approach by sitting down, looking away, and making lip-smacking noises. Most outdoor cats are found within a one-block radius, and indoor cats tend not to stray past a few houses, so ask neighbors if you can search their sheds or porches. 3. Expand Your Search Broaden your reach by posting publicly on Nextdoor or Facebook (some towns have a special page for lost pets). Make big, legible signs on neon paper to hang around your area. Include a photo, any distinctive features or behaviors ("scares easily," "loves cheese"), and your contact info. Consider offering a reward. Alert your microchip service and file lost-pet reports at your local animal-services agency and nearby shelters. If possible, visit the closest shelter daily. Our Experts Kat Albrecht, pet detective and founder of Missing Animal Response Network in Bellingham, Washington Mikkel Becker, lead animal trainer at Fear Free Pets in Spokane, Washington Hyunmin Kim, DVM, veterinary staff manager for community medicine at ASPCA in New York City Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit