1. Don't wait even a day to start your search!
   A lost pet is an emergency, and early, aggressive action is essential. The search for your pet is your responsibility. The people who get their pets back are those who act quickly and work hard to find their pet. Don't give up. Your animal may show up at a shelter or at someone's home weeks after it disappears. You need to keep looking. PLEASE-PLEASE always have ID tags on your pet even if your pet is an indoor pet.
2. Contact animal shelters.
   Every county has or contracts with an animal control facility or shelter. Because pets can travel or be transported across county lines, it is important to visit all the animal shelters in the area where the pet was lost. Also, check with after-hours emergency vets in your area.
   
   

   Dove Lewis Emergency Pet Hospital	503-228-7281
   Multnomah Co. Animal Control	503-248-3066
   Clackamas Co. Animal Control	503-655-8628
   Washington Co. Animal Control	503-681-7041
   Vancouver Humane Society	360-681-7041
   Columbia Co. Animal Control	503-397-3935
   Marion Co. Dog Control	503-667-6633

3. Place lost pet ads in area newspapers.
   Make sure you check the FOUND PET LISTINGS in the paper every day to see if someone has found an animal that matches the description of your pet.
           The Oregonian 503-221-8000
           Willamette Week 503-223-1500
           The Columbian 360-694-3391
           The Gresham Outlook 503-667-6633
   
   Red Flag:  Occasionally, lost pet ads will attract con men or other predators. You may want to prohibit your children from answering the phone while advertising and use caution in responding to calls.
4. Create and post fliers in the area where your pet was lost.
   A clear picture is very helpful. Remove the fliers when your pet is found. 
5. Deliver or send fliers . . . 
    . . . to veterinarians, pet stores, schools, businesses, mail carriers, trash collectors and neighbors in the area where your pet was lost.
6. Take advantage of any identification on your pet.
   Even if the ID is older or the rabies tag is from 5 years and 5 vets ago--call them immediately. Explain your situation and give them your phone number. Follow up with a thank you and a poster.
7. Look for your pet in the area in which it was lost.
   Animals that become lost and are still loose may be close to home.

Don't make the same mistake again!
Put good & accurate identification on your pet!