At PetLink, we have been thinking of our clients and their pets in this unprecedented time. With the requirements for many of us to work from home, school closures, and social distancing, family routines are changing. When routines change, we know from our experience at PetLink, accidents can happen; doors and windows can be left open and pets could get lost. Therefore, more than ever, it’s important to have a plan in place in case your pet goes missing.
We want to reassure you that the PetLink call center is working as normal. We have remote capabilities and will continue to support you 24/7 should your pet get lost.
The PetLink Team has prepared some tips to help you with actions to take now and to put a plan in place in case you ever need to find a lost pet.
Actions to take now:
- Have a digital image of your pet ready for social media – why not take a photo now, just in case!
- Log into your PetLink account to make sure your contact information is up to date; and we strongly encourage you to list an alternate contact as well
- Be extra vigilant about doors and gates being closed, particularly with children spending more time at home than normal
Actions plan if your pet gets lost:
Here are some tips to help you report your pet as lost, and to organize a local search to get your beloved pet back home as soon as possible.
Remember the “Three R’s” of locating a lost pet:
- Remain Calm
- Report & Review
- Recover
Remain Calm
- Know that you have the protection of a microchip and PetLink registration on your side. We suggest you log into your account to make sure your contact information is up to date; and we strongly encourage you to list an alternate contact as well
- Make sure you have your PetLink login details on-hand
Report & Review
- Login to your PetLink account and complete a Lost Pet Report
- Review your contact information and update it if needed
- Have a digital image of your pet ready for social media – why not take a photo now, just in case!
- Prepare and print PetLink Lost Pet Posters; be sure to include a recent photo of your pet
- Be specific about where you think your pet was lost
- Describe any special markings on your pet and any medical conditions
- We recommend that you do not include a specific amount as monetary reward
- Avoid using terms like “show dog,” “breeding dog,” “rescue dog” that indicate monetary value
- If possible, have the posters laminated before posting them outdoors to better withstand the weather
Recovery
- In these times of social distancing, use social networks (Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, etc.) to mobilize your family and friends
- Try to identify social media groups located in a two-mile radius of where your pet was last seen – for example church groups, friends, neighborhood groups
- It’s important to do this as soon as possible after you realize your pet is missing
- Begin posting and distributing your Lost Pet Posters (for which you can find a template on PetLink) while you canvas the neighborhood. Within the constraints of social distancing, leave posters with local businesses, vets, animal shelters, community centers, parks, etc. Be sure to include UPS and FedEx drivers, police, crossing guards and other neighborhood regulars like walkers, joggers
More Helpful Tips
- Extend your search by calling friends from other towns and cities
- Call local animal shelters, vets and animal control facilities to see if they have your pet
Cautionary Tips
- Although we’re here to help protect and help recover your pet, we’re also concerned with your safety. Protect yourself from scams and unscrupulous people who seek to take advantage of you in a vulnerable state
- Avoid calls asking for money or train, bus or air fare
- Always meet someone claiming to have your pet or have information about your pet in a public place and never go alone; do not invite strangers to your home or give them your address
- Before calling off a search, verify that a found pet is, in fact, yours
- Stay hopeful! In a study of US Animal shelters, cats with registered microchips were over 20 times more likely to get back home and dogs with registered microchips were more than twice as likely to be reunited with their families
The PetLink Team wishes you and your pets well!
If you need to report a lost of found pet, please call 1-877-PETLINK or email us petlink@petlink.net. Our dedicated team is still available to assist you.