If you have lost your cat or dog, start looking immediately!

1. Make flyers.
2. Include a picture and description of our pet, date and area lost, and offer a reward.
3. Distribute them in as large an area as possible. A confused dog or cat can roam large distances.
4. Talk to residents in the area.
5. In Chicago, stray and lost pets are impounded at two main locations:

6. If you live in the suburbs, call your local animal control office. These organizations are only required to hold strays for five days; after that they will be put up for adoption or put to death. Plan to visit each shelter as quickly as possible and keep checking!
7. Be sure to also call any other shelters, veterinary clinics and pet stores in the area to alert them of your lost dog or cat.
8. Place a lost ad in your local newspaper and be sure to check the found ads as well.
9. DO NOT GIVE UP! Some pets have been known to turn up months after being lost. Of course, once you find your pet, make sure they are microchipped and wearing current ID tags.