What To Do The Moment Your Pet Goes Missing
When a pet goes missing, the first hour matters. Keep your steps simple and focused. Here are the most important actions to take straight away.
The first hour matters most
Take a breath — here's exactly what to do
- 1
Search close to home. Most pets hide nearby — check under houses, behind fences, in sheds and quiet corners first.
- 2
Tell your neighbours. Ask them to check garages, yards and under vehicles straight away.
- 3
Get the word out fast. Create your pet's page, then share the Facebook post and put posters up in local Facebook groups and around the streets.
- 4
Update the microchip. Log in to the registry, mark your pet missing and check your phone number is current.
Your pet's page gives you a print-ready poster, a ready-to-share Facebook post and a live sightings map — all on one link. The full step-by-step plan is below.
Start looking close to home
Most pets stay very near the place they were last seen. Walk your immediate area slowly, checking under houses, behind fences, in sheds, and in any spot a scared animal might hide.
Create a lost pet post for social media and get it out quickly
Do this in the first hour if you can. Many owners wait a day before sharing online, and that costs them the window when their pet is still close by and sightings are fresh.
A clear post helps others act fast. Include:
- Photo
- Street last seen
- Time
- Collar or distinctive features
- Your mobile number
Get it onto social media first, then keep the momentum going on the ground.
Next, make a poster you can print and get it up around the area:
- Door knock your street and hand posters to neighbours
- Do a letterbox drop of the surrounding blocks
- Put posters on public noticeboards and at local shops, vets, cafés and parks
- Choose spots with good visibility near where your pet went missing, like bus stops and walking tracks
Share the poster image on social media too, it travels well. And once your pet is found, always go back and take every poster down.
Post immediately in local social media groups
Share a clear photo, the street last seen, time, and key features.
- Your suburb community groups
- Lost and found pet groups in your region
- Local council or ranger pages
- Any neighbourhood Facebook or WhatsApp groups
Keep your phone near you and notifications on.
Tell your neighbours straight away
Knock on doors. Ask them to check garages, yards, pool areas, and under vehicles. If you live in units or a townhouse complex, ask everyone in the building.
Update your microchip details
Log into the microchip registry and make sure your phone number is correct. If you cannot remember which registry your pet is on, ask your vet for the chip number, then check it at petaddress.com.au, which tells you the registry that holds it.
Call local vets, shelters, and the council
Contact:
- All vets within a 10 to 15 km radius, including after hours emergency vets
- Your local animal shelter
- Council animal management
Give them your pet's details and your number in case someone brings them in.
Leave something that smells like home outside
Place your pet's bed, blanket, or a piece of worn clothing near your front door. Animals navigate by scent and will often return to familiar smells.
Avoid calling or chasing if your pet is timid
A frightened dog or cat may run further if they hear their name being shouted. If your pet is nervous, ask people to note the exact location and direction instead of approaching.
Create your pet's page now
One link with a print-ready poster, a ready-to-share Facebook post and a live sightings map. Free, in under two minutes, no sign-up.
Create my pet's page