Start with precautionary measures. Avoid purchasing pedigree animals – discourage the pet trade and profiteering from the sale of stolen animals. Adopt one from a shelter instead. Don’t leave dogs, puppies or kittens unattended (even for a minute) in the verandah or any area where they could runaway or be stolen by passersby. They should be safe inside the house at night. Dog collars can have your phone number sewn or embossed on the material. A collar tag with contact information is another option. Never take off the collar.
Talk to pets often and use their names so they know their name and your voice. Delays are dangerous, so spread out immediately with friends and family and search ledges, drains, roof tops and cupboards. Ask neighbours to check their cupboards too. Cats often get stuck on terraces or window sills. Some pets that try to find their way back might end up going farther away, so cover a radius of 4 km or more. Circulate colour photocopies of your pet’s name and picture along with your number while doing so. Dogs can travel very far so advertise in neighbourhood papers.
Look for them with their favourite food in your hand. The smell gets their attention if they are trapped and can’t hear you. After calling out the name, listen in silence for a few seconds for faint cries. Leave food in these places in case they’re injured and come out later. Search for cats at night when traffic noises don’t frighten them. Check in recently vacated premises, empty homes, offices, godowns or garages that were recently opened up.
If you find an animal that looks like it belonged to someone, feed it, look for a tag and ask around for the owner. Unable to find the owner? Try finding it a new family to live with.
