Lost Pet Reports - what you need to knowWhen you visit a shelter looking for a lost pet, you should be asked to fill out a lost pet report. If not, ask to fill one out. In order for a shelter to match a lost report and a missing pet, they need specific information. Following is a list of info you should provide, as well as any other information they request. Note: Cats are very difficult to match without a color photograph. It's tricky even with one, but definitely include a color photograph.Most shelters will have separate forms for dogs and cats, but if not, be sure to identify. Species is the kind of animal, ie. Dog, Cat, Rabbit, etc Breed is the type within the species, ie. Your lost Dog is a Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Poodle, etc. Before you fill out a lost report, check a library or bookstore to identify the specific breed. Don't use invalid information on your lost report. ID tags and information, such as description of collar, license number, Microchip number and manufacturer, etc. What sex and spayed/neutered Age is helpful if you know what it is, but if you don't know, don't guess. Color and markings are very important. Make a detailed list of any special physical characteristics you pet has. This, combined with a color photo will help the staff and volunteers make an ID of your pet. Pay particular attention to oddities, ie. extra toes; one green eye, one blue, black spot on front left leg, etc. Coat length and texture will narrow the field for possible candidates, but be sure you are speaking their language. People who work with animals attribute specific meaning to long, medium or short hair. No one can agree on what medium hair length is. Use either long or short. Eye Color is important, but check a book if you are uncertain. Weight is tricky. Many people don't have any idea what their pet weighs. And some people are way off even when they think they know. Also, if your pet has been missing for very long, their weight could have changed. If you don't know (recently weighed by a vet), don't guess. When was your pet last seen and where. This should be a specific date and a physical address so pets found prior to the date yours was lost can be ruled out, and the address can be referenced on a map for possible matches. Your name and phone number, and any other phone numbers they can contact if you are not available. Your home address |
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