Be careful in high-risk situations. “Many cats are lost while transporting them carelessly while shifting homes or going to the veterinary doctor”, says Devika Khazvini, founder, Cattitude Trust. She recommends a secure pet carrier - one with ample breathing space and a latch that prevents them from escaping. “Never open the carrier to stroke your pet while in the car/auto or waiting room of the clinic. Only release the animal when safely inside, after making sure that all doors and windows are secured. Don’t assume that because your pet is docile at home, it will not panic at the clinic”.
Dogs can wear two collars- one attached to the leash and another underneath with your name, address and contact number attached to it as a tag. So, if the dog extricates itself from the outer collar, the permanent collar with contact info remains around its neck. Says Nithya Pari, founder of The Animal Guardian Society (TAGS) – “No time should be wasted after the pet is lost. Alert friends and families in the neighbourhood and provide them a number to call if they spot your pet. If you know the exact road where your pet went missing, alert every house and shop in that street. The sooner you inform, higher the chances of finding the pet as a new animal will be noticed by people there”.
Take printouts with pictures (recent colour photos) of your pet that say “Pet dog/cat missing” along with “Reward” in large fonts. “Paste these all over the street where it went missing and give a copy to every house and shop in the locality” adds Nithya.
She suggests forming a group of ten and creating a search plan with a map of the area (from Google maps) to increase efficiency and avoid duplication. Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, ads in neighbourhood newspapers, posters in pet food stores and vet clinics will help. “Inform animal shelters to let you know if they pick up an animal that matches your pet’s description”, says Nithya. Missing cats sometimes find their way back to the old house if they escape during shifting, so keep an eye out for them there.
(For the complete list of free guidelines on shifting safely with cats, email cattitudetrust@gmail.com and for tips on locating lost pets, email contacttags@gmail.com )
HERO OF THE WEEK Nishanth Balthillaya is our hero for rescuing five newborn puppies that were stuffed in a sack and dumped in Tambaram. Nishanth saved them just in time and handed them over to a foster caregiver who found homes for them when they were old enough.
TAKE ME HOME Sonia is a pretty, intelligent and friendly kitten. She's up for adoption and so are her friends who were rescued around the same time. Call 9841236008 for adoption.
TAKE ME HOME These gorgeous mongrel puppy are two months old and is in great health. To adopt him or his equally adorable siblings, call 9940584832
HOLD MY PAW Hi, I'm a healthy mongrel puppy who was rescued from the street along with my cute, playful siblings. To adopt one of us, call 9283390693
