Lost pets

When your pet goes missing it can be a really challenging time.  You may not know what to do.  Below are some tips on actions you you can take immediately to help get your pet home as soon as possible.

Online 

The first thing to do when you notice your pet is missing, is to mark it as such on the microchipping database which holds your pet’s details.  If your pet is on Petlog follow the below steps:
  • Log into your Petlog account - you can create one at anytime.
  • Check that your details are up-to-date and then mark your pet as lost. Detailed steps on how to do this can be found under “Lost, stolen, found or    dispute” here.
  • When your pet is found, the vet or animal welfare professional will scan your pet for a microchip; look up the details attached to the record and make    contact with you.
a. If your pet is not already on Petlog Premium, you can choose to upgrade before marking your pet as lost. We will send a notification to local vets and welfare organisations who have opted into this service.
  • Once your pet is found, please be sure to turn come back to the website and mark them as found. We’d also love for you to share your experience with  other keepers.

Phone

  • If you don't have access to an online account, or your haven’t been back to create one since we updated our website in March 2021, you can create one at any time.  It takes less than 15 minutes if your details are still the same as when your pet was first microchipped. 
  • However, if you’d prefer to call our dedicated pet reunification number is 01296 737600.  We have people available 24/7 to help you mark you pet as lost on our database

At home

  • Thoroughly check your own property. Look in cosy places, under beds, in wardrobes, and anywhere else your pet may think it could get some rest, or could be hiding
  • Ask your neighbours to check their sheds, garages, conservatories, greenhouses or anywhere else sheltered. If they have left a door open and then locked it without checking it is possible your lost pet could be stuck inside
  • Search your neighbourhood, leave a LOST poster of your missing pet and your contact details with as many people as possible. Please remember to ask permission before putting up posters in public places
  • Remember to speak to any postmen, or other service personnel that cover a wide area
  • If it is your dog that you are trying to find, walk around the area where the dog went missing with a leash, some treats and maybe the dog's favourite toy. The scents of all these things may bring your lost dog back to you
  • Always keep your mobile phone with you in case someone finds your pet and tries to contact you.
  • If your pet was wearing their collar tag displaying your telephone numbers, make sure that if anyone rings these numbers, someone is available to answer.

Getting the message out there

If your pet is on Petlog Premium, we will send an email to local vets animal welfare professionals who have opted into this service.  You can also addd your pet's details to our partner website: Pets Reunited. This puts local professionals and volunteers on alert and may improve your pet’s chances of being found and returned home quickly.

Contact your local services including:

  • Contact your local radio station and newspaper and ask them to put out a message for you
  • Vets (search here)
  • Rehoming centres (search here)
  • Local authority (search here)
  • Visit other lost and found pet websites and record your missing pet with as many as possible.
  • Social Media: Specifically; Facebook/ Twitter

When travelling abroad 

  • If your pet has gone missing outside the UK, vets and animal welfare professionals across Europe can find your details via the European Pet Network, which includes 32 databases working together to ensure lost pets can be reunited with their owners.