You've stumbled upon this article most likely because you've lost a pet dog or cat and have been looking for it for more than 24 hours. In addition, you may have lost a lot of sleep because losing a pet, especially a service one is a scary time. If that is the case, you need to act fast otherwise your pet may be placed up for adoption, sent to rescue or humanely euthanized as animal shelters have limited time holding stray animals. However, don't panic just yet. Fortunately, the chances of finding a lost pet are very high. A study finds that:
- 93% of lost dogs were returned safely to their homes
- 75% of lost cats were returned safely to their homes
- 6% of dog owners found their lost pets at shelters
- 2% of cat owners found their lost pets at shelters
- 15% of lost dogs were found because of tags or microchips
Why do dogs and cats stray?
In the United States, many pets are lost during or after major holidays. Most of them get frightened by and flee from fireworks or Halloween costumes. Another common reason pets stray is that they are un-spayed or unneutered and looking for a mate. Spaying and neutering your dog or cat will decrease its desire to roam. Furthermore, pets often run away from home out of curiosity if doors, windows, or gates are left open.
If you move to a new location with your pet, it may run away looking for its former surroundings. When lost, a big young dog can travel five miles or more. A small dog, on the other hand, may be able to run half a mile at most. In many cases, most lost dogs and cats are found well within a two-mile circle of their home.
5 Ways to Find your lost pet in Florida
The problem of a lost pet may hit even the most responsible pet owner in the US. If you live in the state of Florida, there are many ways to find your lost dog, cat or any pet.
1. Visit all animal shelters near you
Concerned residents or animal control officers often bring lost pets into animal shelters. If you are looking for a lost pet in Florida, the first place to look is an animal shelter. You should also visit or contact all rescue groups near you because most lost dogs usually end up in foster homes and rescue adoption programs. Furthermore, people also take lost pets to kennels, animal hospitals, groomers, local veterinarians, and even pet stores.
Don’t give up just yet if you don't find your lost pet in those centers. Many times, people find and keep lost dogs or cats with them for weeks before bringing them to the Animal Center. Register your pet as missing and keep visiting the animal centers until it is found. If your lost pet has a tag with current information on, then it should be returned to you in no time.
2. Post in Facebook Lost and Found Pets Groups in Florida State
Facebook lost and found pets groups are another ideal place where you might find your lost pet fast. In these groups, members post pets they found or lost. Some of these groups may have members that live within your area. So, there is a good chance of finding your dog or cat if you join these groups and post recent photos along with information about you and your pet. Moreover, many people have found their lost pets through Facebook groups. With that said, below are some Facebook lost and found pets groups in Florida:
3. Visit Lost and Found Pets Websites
Another way to find your lost pet quickly is by visiting lost and found pet websites to post an ad and look through found ads. Through these websites, many lost fur babies have been reunited with their owners. Some of these websites include:
4. Print a Lost Pet Flyer
Lost pet flyers are effective in finding a lost dog or cat fast. You need to print colorful, eye-catching signs in small and large sizes and post them at veterinary clinics, grocery stores, churches, dog parks, neighborhoods, and all places that large amounts of people visit. If you reside in a bilingual town, print your flyer in both languages. Most importantly, your flyer should include a recent picture of your pet as well as its information. Don't forget to offer a REWARD for information leading to your pet's return. Below is an example of a lost pet flyer.
5. Visit Your County's Lost and Found Pets Websites, Facebook Pages and Groups
All 67 Florida counties have websites, Facebook pages and groups dedicated to lost and found pets.
Alachua County, FL, Lost and Found Pets
To find your lost pet in Alachua County, here is the list of animal shelters to visit in Alachua County, Florida. Join the lost and found pets Facebook group of Alachua County.
