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HOW TO FIND A LOST PET
Act Fast! Animal Shelters in Michigan are required to keep lost animals without
identification (No Collar) only four days and with identification (Collar with
Dog License & Rabies Tag) only seven days before adopting out or euthanizing the
animal. Here's what you can do to locate a lost pet.
Come to The Arenac County Animal
Shelter to file a lost report. If this is not immediately possible, call
989-846-4421 to file a report over the phone. If you live in Ogemaw County you
may also call 989-345-5903. If your lost pet is picked up in Ogemaw County it
will be taken to the Ogemaw County Humane Society.
Go to the Arenac County Animal Shelter (3750 Foco Rd., Standish). If this is not
immediately possible, call 989-846-4421.
Go to the shelter as often as possible. This is especially important if your pet
is a mix-breed and thus difficult to describe. Although the shelter staff tries
their best to screen all animals that come to them, the owner is the best
identification resource.
Check neighbor's yards, both front and back . If you've lost a cat, ask
neighbors to check their basements, garages, and cars.
Check with-in a radius of 8-10 miles of where your pet became lost. Animals will
typically be found close to where they live.
Talk to as many people as possible. Ask if they have seen your pet. Let them
know that you are concerned.
Search for your pet especially in the early morning hours (3am - 5am) when it is
quiet. Your pet may be able to hear you calling and you may be able to hear
their sounds or movement.
Set up a temporary comfort station (provide a bed, food, and water) near the
area your pet was lost, to encourage your pet to stay in the area if he or she
returns while you are gone.
Alert your postal carrier.
Put a "Lost" ad in area newspapers.
Distribute posters that include a description of your pet, where he or she was
lost, your phone number, a photo of the animal, and a reward.
If you live near the county line, visit the shelter or the animal control
facility in the neighboring county as well. If you live in Arenac or Ogemaw
Counties your neighboring counties would be Iosco, Bay, Gladwin, & Roscommon.
Check the "Lost and Found" section of area newspapers every day.
Check your neighborhood veterinary clinics, in the event your injured pet was
taken to one of them.
KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE, HAPPY, AND HEALTHY!
PET OWNERSHIP IS BEING RESPONSIBLE TO YOURSELF, YOUR PET, YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND
YOUR COMMUNITY, AND IT STARTS WITH EDUCATING YOURSELF. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO
REVIEW THESE BASIC PET TIPS.
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water,
food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their
owners for their welfare.
• Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can't make the commitment, don't
get the pet.
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Don't get a high energetic dog, if you
don't have the time to exercise him. If you can't afford grooming or can't do
the grooming yourself, pick a low maintenance dog.
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals without adding
to the problem.
• Don't make your dog a "backyard dog". Dogs strive on companionship and need to
be with their human pack.
• Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on a hot day or in
the yard without shade or water is risking your dog's life.
• Make sure your home is "pet" safe. Pesticides, medications, household cleaners
and some houseplants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, hyacinth, and mistletoe) can
be deadly to your pet. Keep them out of reach.
• Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations up to date and
make sure they have annual checkups.
• Keep identification tag on your pet... it is your pets ticket back home. Both
dogs and cats need ID!! Micro chipping is good too, but an external tag is
essential, it could mean the difference of your neighbor returning your pet to
you or turning him into the shelter!
• Obedience train and socialize your animal.
• Don't let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked leashes. Any outdoor off
leash access should be secure in a fenced area. An outdoor cats average lifespan
is 3 years, an indoor cat's average lifespan is 14 years.
• Provide your pet the proper diet. Obesity can be as deadly as malnutrition. Be
aware that some foods can be deadly, such as chocolate, and fatty foods can
cause pancreatitis.
• Make sure your pet get proper amount of exercise.
• Take extra precautions during holidays like Fourth of July. It is the scariest
time for pets, make sure your pets are secure indoors. Also protect your pet
during Halloween.
• Be kind to your pet and show him with love... remember you are his world.
• Take special care of your pet during their senior years
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