An animal control officer checks a stray Chihuahua mix for a resemblance to a lost and found poster April 1 at the Redlands Animal Shelter.
What can you do when your pet goes missing in Redlands?
Search your home first, according to Officer Bill Miller from the Redlands Animal Shelter.
“Pets are often found behind a door, sleeping in a closet or accidentally left in the garage when it followed you unnoticed.”
If the dog is not found inside the home, time is of the essence.
“Similar to when a child goes missing, the first 24 hours are critical,” Miller said. “The longer you wait, the larger the perimeter you will have to search.”
Contact the Redlands Animal Shelter at 909-798-7644 to tell them when you noticed your pet was missing and how you believe it got out of your home or yard. Give a detailed description of the animal as well as your contact information.
Knowing what kind of identification, if any, your pet is wearing will help others assist you in your search.
Before going out on foot to search for your pet, make sure you have your cell phone with you. If your pet has your home phone number listed on their collar seek out a person to stay within earshot of your home phone while you are out.
Search your immediate area on foot with your pet’s favorite treats or food bowl or a favorite toy. If they like toys that squeak try to make noise with the toy while you say their name in an upbeat way.
“Contact people in the neighborhood. Talk to the postman, kids (playing in the area) and check with neighbors. Your pet may be in their yard,” said Miller.
Use social media to locate your pet as the perimeter gets larger.
There is a Facebook page called “Lost & Found Animals - Redlands, California.” Check to see if someone has posted a photo of your pet as found. If not, post a photo with your contact information and include the location the pet was last seen.
The site’s administrator, Kathy Shanteler of Redlands, has this pinned post: “First steps -- lost or found animal? -- Post info & photo here. Contact local shelters and have (photos) added to Found books so owners know you have animal. If lost (an) animal, check petharbor.com and physically go to local shelters. Post flyers at all major intersections, neighbors, groomers & vet offices. Utilize lostmydoggie.com or lostymykitty.com services. For found dogs, put on leash and walk through neighborhood asking if anyone recognizes the dog. Keep updating this site as to your progress! We’re all working together to help the furkids!”
Make a paper flier with your pet’s picture, description, name and your contact information.
Drive in a larger perimeter than you went on foot looking for your pet and get your flier out there.
Next, take your flier to the Redlands Animal Shelter at 504 Kansas St., Redlands.
While at the animal shelter, check the animal kennels with your own eyes. Miller said it is very common that the description you give of your pet over the phone may not match what a shelter worker or volunteer sees.
“The way your pet looks is often in the eye of the beholder.”