What do I do if my pet is LOST?

  • First of all search your neighbourhood immediately, leaving the description of your missing pet and your contact details with as many people as possible. Remember to speak to any postmen, or other service personnel that cover a wide area.
  • Call  local veterinary surgeons as you pet may be taken to any of them
  • Call the local council animal warden and register your pet on their websites
    • Bournemouth on 01202 451306 during working hours or 08000 281870 when they are closed.
    • Poole on 01202 261700
  • In other areas the local police will often help by taking your pet’s details
  • Call the local welfare centres, eg the local branch of the RSPCA
  • Place ‘Lost Pet Posters’ everywhere you can – local shops, vets, lamp-posts, restaurants, superstores. Be sure to check the fly-posting regulations in your area.
  • Contact your local radio station and newspaper and ask them to put out a message for you.
  • Visit Lost and Found Pet websites (eg Petlog) especially if your pet is microchipped or tattoed, and register your missing pet’s details with as many as possible.

I’ve Lost my Dog - information specific to Missing Dogs from Petlog

I’ve Lost my Cat - information specific to Missing Cats from Petlog

What do I do when my pet is FOUND?

  • Make sure your pet is healthy and uninjured; you may need to have them checked over by your vet
  • Take down your posters, contact any newspapers/radio stations and make people aware that you have found your pet
  • Remember to inform your pet on the Lost and Found Pet websites.
  • If they are not already microchipped, get them done!

Found Pets.

Please take them straight to a local vet or contact your local animal warden (see above). This will be the quickest and easiest way to find the owner. They will be able to scan the pet for a microchip number and contact the registered owners if they have one. You should also inform the local police station as some may keep details in case the owner contacts them. Please note however, that neither the vets nor the police are obliged to take in healthy pets, and may not be able to do so.