When your cat or dog is lost, it can be very traumatic, both for you and your pet. If you are facing this situation, don't panic, but act immediately. Start your search right away at the Animal Shelter. You'll have a better chance of finding your pet if it is properly licensed.
License Your Pet
Baltimore County law requires that all cats and dogs be licensed. This is also the best means of recovering your lost pet. Pet licenses (PDF) are available through the Department of Permits and Licensing, all Baltimore County Library Branches, the Humane Society of Baltimore County and Baltimore County Animal Shelter.
Start by Searching Animal Shelters
Immediately call area shelters and search them in person to look for your pet. Be aware that your pet may have been picked up by a good Samaritan and taken to a shelter in another jurisdiction. Ask about what type of proof of ownership, Rabies vaccination and licensing records you should bring in order to claim your pet. Bring pictures of your pet. Animal shelters make every reasonable effort to identify lost pets by taking "found animal" reports, checking for licenses, Rabies tags, identification tags and microchips, but unless your pet is wearing it's required license or other form of identification, there is very little that the shelters can do for you over the phone. When you come to the shelter, look for your pet. File a lost report and attach a clear photograph. If your pet is a purebred, ask for a referral to the area breed rescue group. Perhaps one of their volunteers is sheltering your pet.
Make Follow-up Visits
It is your responsibility to make follow up visits to shelters to look for your pet. Don't count on a phone call to the shelter. Staff may not be able to identify your pet if it is not wearing identification. No one knows your pet better than you do. Tags and collars can be lost, and pets can get dirty and matted during their odyssey. Have family members take turns going back to the shelter every few days. The Baltimore County Animal Shelter is equipped to hold stray animals only for the mandated four day "stray hold period. When the four days are up, the stray animal is considered abandoned, and it may be adopted to a new home, transferred to a rescue group, legally claimed by the person who rescued it, or euthanized to make room for other incoming animals.
Post "Lost Pet" Flyers
Post "lost pet" flyers with a photo and description of your pet. Good places to post: animal shelters, parks, groomers, playgrounds, vet clinics, pet stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, schools, fire and police stations and at church, synagogue and community bulletin boards. Also post flyers at driver's height at intersections. Use big, bold lettering. Include your phone number and neighborhood, but not your name or address.
Check Your Pet's Favorite Destinations
Think like your dog would think. Where might your dog's attention be drawn? For cats, don't forget to look up into trees and on rooftops and search your own property thoroughly. Cats can crawl under sheds and into attic crawl spaces with relative ease. Consider renting a humane cat trap from a rental center. Determine when and where your pet was last seen. In searching the area, bring your pet's favorite squeaky toy and a box of treats. Squeak the toy and rattle the box while calling your pet. Then pause, be quiet, and listen for a response from your pet. Bring a flashlight so that you can look into dark places. Talk with everyone you see in the area where your pet was last seen. Leave flyers or notes at nearby homes. Talk with your mail carrier, the crossing guard, the school bus driver, the school secretary and anyone who has business in your area. Ask them to keep an eye out for your pet.
Place an Ad in Newspaper
Place an advertisement in the local newspaper's "lost and found" column. Consider offering a reward (don't specify the amount). Including "needs medication" can help reduce your pet's value to someone who found it and also help solicit more help in finding your pet. Withhold one or two features about your pet, so that if someone calls you, there will be a way to be sure that it is your pet that they have. Beware of scam artists who prey upon grieving pet owners.
Don't cut corners and don't give up too soon.
Securely attach an identification tag, Rabies tag and license to your dog or cat's collar immediately. Check the tags periodically to be sure that they are clear and easy to read. Under Baltimore County law, all dogs and cats over 4 months of age must be licensed annually and the license must be displayed on the pet's collar whenever the pet is off its property.
If you find a lost pet, call Animal Control's lost and found pet line immediately -410-887-5961. Under the law, you must turn the pet in to the Animal Shelter within 24 hours. Many owners search there for their lost pets. If the owner does not step forward within four business days, and you choose not to permit anyone else to adopt it, you may reclaim the pet for the cost of a Rabies shot and County license.
Animal Control is located at 13800 Manor Road, Baldwin, Maryland 21013.
You can view the "Lost Pets" Brochure (PDF) online or download and print it.
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Revised June 4, 2007
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