RSPCA shelters care for more than 41,000 animals each year. Many are reunited with their owners and others are found new homes. Losing a pet is very distressing so we hope these tips will help reunite lost pets with their owners.

Action to take:

• Search your home carefully to make sure your pet isn�t hiding in an unusual place.
   
• Recruit the help of family and friends in the search for your lost pet.
   
• Inform neighbours. They may help find your pet or at the very least, keep an eye out. Make sure you take a recent photo to show them.
   
• Walk around the neighbourhood and call your pet's name or what it normally answers to.
   
• If you have lost a dog, concentrate on the areas you have walked or visited regularly.
   
• Print up a lost pet flyer and distribute it to houses and shops in your neighbourhood). The flyer should feature a bold heading, colour photo and should include:
    � Your pet�s name (and what they answer to).
    � Detailed description, including identifiable characteristics, breed, age and sex.
    � Your name and contact phone numbers.
    � When and where your pet went missing.
    � Mention a reward (if appropriate).

It�s important to remember, even though your pet may have had identification, the collar and tag may have been lost, so your description is very important!

Who to contact:

• Your local council.
• Animal shelters in the region and surrounds. Contact them by phone and consider visiting shelters in person, as identifying an animal over the phone can be very difficult. If you don�t find your pet on the first visit, consider visiting again as your pet may be cared for in a home for a few days.
   
  Find your local RSPCA shelter:BallaratBendigoBurwood East - DogsBurwood East - CatsBurwood East - Rabbits & Guinea PigsCastlemaineEchucaEppingPeninsulaPortlandSaleWangarattaWarrnambool

  Other metropolitan animal shelters include:
  Lost Dogs Home: (03) 9329 2755
  Lort Smith Animal Hospital: (03) 9328 3021
   

• Local vets as many have lost and found display boards.
• Local papers to advertise under the lost and found sections.  Some local radio stations will also make announcements about lost pets.

Have you found a lost dog or cat?

If you have found a lost dog or cat, it�s important they are safe from harm. Please be careful when approaching the animal as they may be frightened and could bite or scratch.

Once secure, check the pet for identification and if the owner�s contact details are available, contact them immediately. If the animal doesn�t have any clear identification, contact the local council, surrounding shelters and vets.