If you lose a companion animal, act quickly
Thousands of animals brought to Puget Sound area shelters as "strays" are euthanized because their owners don't come looking for them during the standard 72-hour stray holding period. Don't assume your missing companion will be back in a day or two, has been stolen, or has "gone off to die." Begin your search as soon as you realize your pet is missing, and visit the local shelters in person. You should also call local veterinary clinics, including those that handle emergencies.

Search Animal Shelters
The services offered by animal shelters and animal control facilities vary, but all can offer advice. Start by calling animal control and the shelter for the area where the animal was lost. You may have to call the local sheriff or police department to find out which agency handles the area's stray animals. Ask to file a report. Inquire about the agencies that cover your neighborhood, and ask for suggestions on how to proceed with your search.

Visit the shelters - and do it often. Looking in person is the best way to ensure that you and your pet are reunited. As hard as it may be, ask about records of animals found injured or dead.

PAWS takes in strays from unincorporated Snohomish County and the city limits of Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Brier and Mukilteo in Washington State. Hours and directions to PAWS.

Here is a list of other animal shelters and agencies in Western Washington.

Post Signs
Signs are very effective tools for finding lost animals. Make them bold, with key words in large type. A photo or drawing of the animal is a big help. Distribute them door-to-door in the neighborhood where the animal was lost and post them at major intersections and along main streets in the area. PAWS and many other shelters have "Lost and Found" stations within their facilities where you can post a sign.

Ready-made lost and found signs

Cover the neighborhood and beyond
Let everyone know. Talk to passers-by and stop in at businesses in your area. Check alleys, playgrounds, parks, and roadside ditches. Cats can often become stranded in trees or shut in garages, storage sheds, under porches, or on rooftops. Enlist the help of letter carriers and delivery persons, as well. It is not uncommon for animals to be found miles from where they were lost.

Use the Internet
Several websites provide information for lost and found companion animals:

Petfinder
Craigslist
Pets 911
Lost and Pound

Ads
Immediately place an ad in the major daily newspaper for your area. Continue to monitor the ads in case someone lists one for a found animal who matches the description of your pet.

Offer a Reward
Offering a reward on your posters and in ads may offer an incentive for people to become involved. Be cautious before giving money to anyone claiming to know the whereabouts of your animal--make sure the person claiming to have your animal really does.

Be Thorough
By using all available approaches, you can increase the odds of a happy reunion. Many animals are found weeks after they were lost. Don't give up.

Prevent it from happening again
An ID tag can mean the difference between life and death for a dog or cat. Even "indoor-only" pets need tags. Also consider getting your companion microchipped as a way to permanently identify your dog or cat. Microchips cannot come off like a collar and tag, and give you an extra "insurance policy" in case your pet becomes lost again. Most veterinary clinics can microchip and register your companion with a national database service for a one-time fee of under $50. Learn more about microchips.

Check your house and yard to determine how your dog or cat managed to escape, and be sure to correct the problem as soon as possible. PAWS has information that can help you address behavior issues including how to manage escaping behavior as well as details on how to establish a safe confinement plan.

Learn more about outdoor play enclosures for cats to keep them safe and happy.

Read more about how to make sure your dog stays safe in your yard and home.