Make sure to include your pet’s name, description and their photo. But most importantly don’t forget to include your contact details. Once you have finished the flyer, do a letterbox drop or add it to your local noticeboard.
Start with your local ones and then try those outside the area. Sometimes pets wander far from home or are found by people and taken to pounds in another area.
RSPCA Qld have a Lost and Found Service. You can register them as missing and search for them. The service is available either online or via phone on 1300 363 736
Use social media - search for your local suburb's Lost and Found Pets social media page and local Community Noticeboards online. Post a photo of your pet and contact details. You can also write a general post on your own Facebook page - just make sure it is public so it can be shared!
Pets have been known to turn up months, and even years, after going missing – please don’t give up!
“We raised them as inside cats for safety reasons and for the sake of the wildlife,” Karen says. Desexed and microchipped, with access to an outdoor enclosure and plenty of enrichment throughout the house, the siblings never showed interest in escaping.
But one day, Charlie did.
“We are still not sure exactly how he got out, but assume the front door hadn’t totally clicked shut.”
“Day and night, roaming the neighbourhood with torches, calling him, door knocking, putting up posters and dropping hundreds of flyers into letterboxes and places of business. We posted on every local lost and found Facebook group and online site we could find, notified the RSPCA, vets, family and friends.”
After nearly two weeks without any luck, they installed security cameras that notify when a cat or dog is detected. Finally, the next night Karen woke to a video of Charlie on her phone eating the food they had left out for him in the garage!
“We woke the kids and we were all hugging and crying basically in a state of both disbelief and incredible relief!” Karen remembers.
Charlie was given the all-clear by the local vet, despite losing about 600g and having a few scabs on his paws.
Karen’s advice to others in the same predicament is “Never give up! Keep doing all the things we did, let as many people know as possible.”
“They are the most beautiful, affectionate and funny cats, best friends, and an integral part of our family.”
As the Communications & Media Manager for RSPCA Qld, Emma's passionate about making a real difference and believes every animal has a story to share. She has over nine years experience working in animal welfare and is the voice for the RSPCA on digital, print and broadcast channels.
