Lost and found pets
Most pets that go missing are found by a neighbour, a security guard or a shopkeeper within a few streets of home — usually in the first day, and usually because somebody did the right few things quickly. These guides are the right few things, in order.
If it is happening right now
Searching, identifying and preventing
- How to find a lost dog: a search that actually worksHow do you search for a lost dog properly?
- How to find a lost cat (it is almost certainly closer than you think)How do you find a lost cat?
- The lost-pet poster and WhatsApp message that actually get you callsWhat should a lost-pet poster say?
- QR tag, engraved plate or microchip: which one actually gets your pet homeIs a QR pet tag better than a microchip in India?
- Why pets bolt — and the things that actually stop itHow do I stop my pet from running away or getting lost?
Before it happens
The two things that change a search most are a recent full-body photo and something readable on the collar. Neither can be arranged after the animal is gone.
How a QR pet tag worksPet care guidesFind a vet or shelter near you
General guidance for pet parents, not a diagnosis. Every animal is different — confirm anything that concerns you with your veterinarian.