- Go out and look for the animal.
- Make sure microchip information is up to date
- Contact your local Animal Control Officer – List of Massachusetts Animal Control Officers
- Contact friends & family – assign tasks
- Make posters
- Put up posters
- Start call log, take detailed notes
- Every few days, call: police stations – state, local and those in surrounding area animal control officers – local and those in surrounding area animal shelters & humane societies, animal rescue groups, veterinarians, pet stores, animal service businesses, pet stores, kennels, pet sitters & dog walkers, dog trainers, park workers, local city Public Works department (DPW) and state highway department.
- Register your animal on Lost & Found Animal Websites
- Contact the National Dog Registry
- Set up humane live traps. Traps are available from many tool rental businesses, or contact MAC for information.
- Check lost & found classifieds in newspapers
- Take out ads in newspapers (body, not classifieds)
- Organize search parties
- Visit local shelters & pounds daily
- Provide a contact number reachable at all hours (i.e. cell phone or answering machine)
- Found your lost animal? – Remember to take down flyers, update websites, call people to let them know you’ve found your lost animal. Tedious, but very important.