PETFINDER SERVICE

A LOST DOG/CAT/BIRD?
SOME HELPFUL HINTS ON FINDING YOUR PET

On first realisation that you have lost your pet a feeling of panic usually sets in and your mind goes blank. What to do? Who to speak to? Where to start? LAA wish to help you in your time of need by providing the PETFINDER SERVICE. Petfinder is a free help and advisory service, offered over the phone to people in the East Midlands (mainly Leicester & Leicestershire) who've lost their pets. The service is provided in association with BBC Radio Leicester. If you have lost or found a pet please contact us on 01455 888257.

Step by step guide to finding your lost pet

• Try and establish how and when your pet went missing. Put out water in your garden in case he/she comes back on his or her own.
• Search locally first and check with neighbours. Make sure your pet isn’t in someone’s garden or house. Ask neighbours to check garages and sheds in case the animal is locked in. Make sure everyone knows about your missing pet.
• Ring 01455 888257. We will check our ‘found’ register. If we have a match we can quickly reunite you. If we don’t, we will put out your pet
  details on Radio Leicester. Two bulletins are broadcast each week. We can also give you tips depending on the situation.
• If your pet is microchipped/tattooed, remember to inform the
  registration organisation. (LAA offers a microchipping service for your pet every Wednesday. The cost is £10 per pet. To arrange please call the centre.)
• (Dogs Only) Notify the police and dog wardens in the area your dog went missing and also along his/her favourite walks.
• Produce leaflets describing your pet in as much detail as possible (breed, size, colour, and any distinguishing features), including a photograph. State when and where lost. Give contact details (day and evening). If you are considering offering a reward, discuss with Petfinder first.
• Distribute the leaflets to shops, vets, rescue centres, kennels/catteries, pubs, milkmen, postmen, farmers, neighbours. Pin on local notice boards.
• Contact local newspapers to advertise your lost pet, or to do a special feature.
• (Dogs only) Contact your District Council Environmental Health Department to see whether any dead animals have been collected. It really is better to know.

If you live in the Leicestershire area here are some useful telephone numbers

PETFINDER REPORT