We are sorry that you have lost your pet and understand that you are upset. We have prepared the following suggestions to help you find your missing friend.
Get the word out. As soon as you are aware that your pet is missing, call the Redwood Coast Humane Society (RCHS) and Animal Control to report your lost pet. Tell friends, neighbors, kids, babysitters, mail carriers, etc. that your pet is missing.
Start Searching immediately when your pet is missing. Canvass your neighborhood on foot, by car, during the day, and at night. Look in garages, yards, basements, closets, under cars, in shrubbery, and at your neighbors' homes as well as your own.
Call and whistle to your pet. She may be injured, frightened, trapped, or unable to come to you. Hearing your voice may encourage your pet to answer you. Remain in one place long enough for your pet to find you after you call. The best time to call for your pet is at night, and at dawn when it's quiet outside and your pet may feel safer to come out of hiding.
Post lost pet flyers on bulletin boards in stores, churches, libraries, and around your neighborhood. Include the pet's name, description, a photograph, your name, and phone number. RCHS maintains a bulletin board in the Sundstrom mall downtown Gualala and you're welcome to post your flyer there.
Advertise in local newspapers. The Independent Coast Observer (ICO) will run free lost and found ads. Offer a reward, but do not specify the amount.
Watch the found pet columns in the local newspapers.
Call your local radio station. The Tide will make an announcement for you.
Call the local vet offices. People will often call them when they find a pet.
Call animal related businesses such as boarding kennels, groomers, feed stores. They may have information on your pet.
REMEMBER:
Start searching immediately when your pet is missing, don't wait to see if your pet will come home on its own.
Keep ID tags/license on your pet at all times. Your home phone number is the most important piece of information.
Keep your dog inside or in a securely fenced yard when you cannot supervise her.
Be sure your current address and phone numbers are listed on all registration records.
When filling out "lost" reports, making flyers or writing a newspaper ad, remember to include the following:
Pictures of your pet
A description of what your pet was wearing (collar, etc.).
A description of your pet's physical characteristics (breed, color, identifying marks, etc.)
A reward, but don't specify an amount
When you find your pet, examine it thoroughly for hidden injuries or signs of illness.
And don't forget to let RCHS know; we like happy endings, too!
Important phone numbers:
Mendocino County (area code 707):
Animal Control
Fort Bragg office…………………………………….................964-2718
Ukiah office………………………………….......................... .463-4427
Dog license department (Ukiah)………………………..............463-4652
ARFF Feed Store, Gualala………………………………………....884-1832
Bed and Bone, Point Arena…………………………………… 882-2429
Gualala Vet Clinic, Gualala……………………………………...884-3313
Independent Coast Observer (ICO), Gualala……………………884-3501
Mendocino Coast Humane Society (MCHS), Fort Bragg……….964-7729
Redwood Coast Humane Society (RCHS), Gualala……………..884-1304
The Tide Radio Station, Gualala………………………………....884-1000
Sonoma
County (area code 707):
Animal Control, Santa Rosa…………………………………565-7100/565-7104
Humane Society of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa………………..542-0882
Sea Ranch Security, The Sea Ranch…………………………….785-2444
© 2003 Redwood
Coast Humane Society, Gualala