Lost Pet Recovery
Losing a pet is a stressful time for pet owners - it is important to remain calm! You are not the first person to lose an animal and you will not be the last! Be sure to take deep breaths and consider the points outlined here - your furry friend will be back home in no time.
Lost Cat
1. Cats will hide.
Your cat is more likely to hide than run! Upon escape, most cats will immediately search for a hiding place. Remain calm and begin a thorough search.
2. Calmy search your property and surrounding areas for your cat. Scan the environment slowly, paying close attention to under steps, buildings, and large objects like piles of lumber. Cats make excellent hide and seek players and your kitty will likely find a very good hiding place within minutes of being outside. Use a flashlight in dimly-lit areas and look for the shine of their eyes.
3. Remember that cats can (and will!) fit into very small spaces.
A good rule of thumb to follow is this: if their head can squeeze through a space, their body can fit. Do not make assumptions on where you think your cat would or wouldn't hide - we've seen cats get themselves into all kind of strange places!
4. Ask your neighbours for permission to search their property.
or ask them to have have a look around their property themselves.
5. Cats are more likely to be active at dusk and dawn.
Be sure to search during these times - you may be able to find your cat as they search for food or alternative shelter.
6. If you find your cat but cannot access their hiding spot - sit down and let your cat come to you.
Cats are curious and are more likely to come out of their hiding spot with gentle coaxing rather than if they feel cornered. Sit down within view of your cat and quietly call out to them. Keep a relaxed body posture and remain patient.
7. Call the Gander and Area SPCA at 709-651-3002.
Informing shelter staff that your cat is missing will allow us to reunite you with your pet quicker should they be found and brought into our shelter! Here is the information that you should leave:
- Your name and phone number
- A description of your cat (age, coat length and colour/pattern, sex, and if they are spayed/neutered or intact)
- The area of town that they went missing from
You may also want to provide a picture of your pet to the SPCA via email ([email protected]) or via Facebook message to our page, "Gander and Area SPCA"
Please note that found animals are held for 72 hours - 5 days before being available for adoption.
8. Spread the word - Make and distribute missing cat posters in the area and online.
See our poster making tips below to ensure your poster stands out and gets your message across. Distribute your posters to neighbours and in the general area that your cat went missing. Uploading your poster to social media platforms such as Facebook will further increase the number of people that see your poster. You may also send us your poster and we will repost it on our Facebook page.
9. Borrow a live trap from the SPCA.
The SPCA has a limited number of live traps that can be borrowed to trap a lost cat in Gander. A staff member will walk you through how to set up the trap so that you are confident when using it. The use of a live trap requires a $50 refundable deposit (cash only). This deposit will be returned to you once the trap is returned to the shelter.
Your cat is more likely to hide than run! Upon escape, most cats will immediately search for a hiding place. Remain calm and begin a thorough search.
2. Calmy search your property and surrounding areas for your cat. Scan the environment slowly, paying close attention to under steps, buildings, and large objects like piles of lumber. Cats make excellent hide and seek players and your kitty will likely find a very good hiding place within minutes of being outside. Use a flashlight in dimly-lit areas and look for the shine of their eyes.
3. Remember that cats can (and will!) fit into very small spaces.
A good rule of thumb to follow is this: if their head can squeeze through a space, their body can fit. Do not make assumptions on where you think your cat would or wouldn't hide - we've seen cats get themselves into all kind of strange places!
4. Ask your neighbours for permission to search their property.
or ask them to have have a look around their property themselves.
5. Cats are more likely to be active at dusk and dawn.
Be sure to search during these times - you may be able to find your cat as they search for food or alternative shelter.
6. If you find your cat but cannot access their hiding spot - sit down and let your cat come to you.
Cats are curious and are more likely to come out of their hiding spot with gentle coaxing rather than if they feel cornered. Sit down within view of your cat and quietly call out to them. Keep a relaxed body posture and remain patient.
7. Call the Gander and Area SPCA at 709-651-3002.
Informing shelter staff that your cat is missing will allow us to reunite you with your pet quicker should they be found and brought into our shelter! Here is the information that you should leave:
- Your name and phone number
- A description of your cat (age, coat length and colour/pattern, sex, and if they are spayed/neutered or intact)
- The area of town that they went missing from
You may also want to provide a picture of your pet to the SPCA via email ([email protected]) or via Facebook message to our page, "Gander and Area SPCA"
Please note that found animals are held for 72 hours - 5 days before being available for adoption.
8. Spread the word - Make and distribute missing cat posters in the area and online.
See our poster making tips below to ensure your poster stands out and gets your message across. Distribute your posters to neighbours and in the general area that your cat went missing. Uploading your poster to social media platforms such as Facebook will further increase the number of people that see your poster. You may also send us your poster and we will repost it on our Facebook page.
9. Borrow a live trap from the SPCA.
The SPCA has a limited number of live traps that can be borrowed to trap a lost cat in Gander. A staff member will walk you through how to set up the trap so that you are confident when using it. The use of a live trap requires a $50 refundable deposit (cash only). This deposit will be returned to you once the trap is returned to the shelter.
For supplementary information on the behaviour of lost cats, consult this webpage from the Missing Animal Response Network:
Lost Cat Behaviour - MARN
Lost Cat Behaviour - MARN
Lost Dog
1. Be proactive - Ensure your dog's collar contains up to date contact information.
Having up to date contact information on your dog's ID tags ensures that anyone that finds you dog will have an immediate way of reaching you so that you can reunite with your pet.
2. Walk calmly as you search for your dog.
While it is our first instinct to chase a running dog, it is better to walk calmy so that your dog does not think you are chasing them. Carry a leash and collar when searching in case they are needed to hold onto your dog once found.
3. Carry an irresistible treat.
Foods with strong smells or noisy packaging tend to work best! Break out the hot dogs and potato chips. A delicious smell or sound of noisy packaging may help to attract your dog.
4. When you spot your dog, get down low or sit down.
Remain calm and get down low. It is best to watch your dog from the corner of your eye rather than to stare directly at them. Sitting down and avoiding direct eye contact invites a panicked dog to approach you. Break open the treats to attract your dog. Draw attention to the food! Make it a big deal that you have a tasty treat - Crinkle the packaging and pretend to be eating some of the food. You can gently toss some pieces of food in the direction of your dog to attempt to lure him closer. Remain patient and your dog will come to you.
5. Call the Gander and Area SPCA at 709-651-3002.
Informing shelter staff that your cat is missing will allow us to reunite you with your pet quicker should they be found and brought into our shelter! Here is the information that you should leave:
- Your name and phone number
- A description of your dog (breed, size, age, coat length and colour/pattern, sex, and if they are spayed/neutered or intact)
- The area of town that they went missing from
You may also want to provide a picture of your pet to the SPCA via email ([email protected]) or via Facebook message to our page, "Gander and Area SPCA"
6. Spread the word - Make and distribute missing cat posters in the area and online.
See our poster making tips below to ensure your poster stands out and gets your message across. Distribute your posters to neighbours and in the general area that your dog went missing. Uploading your poster to social media platforms such as Facebook will further increase the number of people that see your poster. You may also send us your poster and we will repost it on our Facebook page.
Having up to date contact information on your dog's ID tags ensures that anyone that finds you dog will have an immediate way of reaching you so that you can reunite with your pet.
2. Walk calmly as you search for your dog.
While it is our first instinct to chase a running dog, it is better to walk calmy so that your dog does not think you are chasing them. Carry a leash and collar when searching in case they are needed to hold onto your dog once found.
3. Carry an irresistible treat.
Foods with strong smells or noisy packaging tend to work best! Break out the hot dogs and potato chips. A delicious smell or sound of noisy packaging may help to attract your dog.
4. When you spot your dog, get down low or sit down.
Remain calm and get down low. It is best to watch your dog from the corner of your eye rather than to stare directly at them. Sitting down and avoiding direct eye contact invites a panicked dog to approach you. Break open the treats to attract your dog. Draw attention to the food! Make it a big deal that you have a tasty treat - Crinkle the packaging and pretend to be eating some of the food. You can gently toss some pieces of food in the direction of your dog to attempt to lure him closer. Remain patient and your dog will come to you.
5. Call the Gander and Area SPCA at 709-651-3002.
Informing shelter staff that your cat is missing will allow us to reunite you with your pet quicker should they be found and brought into our shelter! Here is the information that you should leave:
- Your name and phone number
- A description of your dog (breed, size, age, coat length and colour/pattern, sex, and if they are spayed/neutered or intact)
- The area of town that they went missing from
You may also want to provide a picture of your pet to the SPCA via email ([email protected]) or via Facebook message to our page, "Gander and Area SPCA"
6. Spread the word - Make and distribute missing cat posters in the area and online.
See our poster making tips below to ensure your poster stands out and gets your message across. Distribute your posters to neighbours and in the general area that your dog went missing. Uploading your poster to social media platforms such as Facebook will further increase the number of people that see your poster. You may also send us your poster and we will repost it on our Facebook page.
For supplementary information on the behaviour of lost dogs, consult this webpage from the Missing Animal Response Network:
Lost Dog Behaviour - MARN
Lost Dog Behaviour - MARN