Tips on Retrieving a Lost Pet

Losing a pet is traumatic for the animal and its owner. A lost dog or cat faces a world full of uncertainty and danger, one of possible injury, starvation or death. Pet owners, many of whom have never lost a pet before, may wonder if they will ever be reunited.

Two studies published in the Jan. 15, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) contain valuable information for mounting a successful search for a dog or cat that has wandered from home. The original studies, the first of their kind according to the authors and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), were conducted by a team of veterinarians and researchers from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, Ohio.

According to the studies, the chances of making the family whole again improve if owners make sure their pet is wearing identification tags and if they call or visit a local animal agency soon after the pet is lost.