Lost Pet: First Steps

Have you lost or found a pet in Toronto? It would be ideal if there was one central hub for reconnecting animals with their families, but currently, the system lacks such a resource. If your pet is missing, the first course of action is to check the immediate area thoroughly. In cases where your pet has left the vicinity, communicating with your community through word-of-mouth, flyers, and posters can be beneficial. It’s advisable to ask for permission to put up flyers at local high-traffic businesses, regardless of whether they focus on pets. Suitable locations can include:

• All local veterinary clinics.
• Your nearest emergency vet clinic in Toronto.
• Pet supply stores, including independent businesses and nearby Pet Valu locations.
• Doggie daycares, training centers, and boarding facilities.
• Coffee shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, and other local retailers.

You can also distribute flyers at Toronto’s off-leash dog parks for greater visibility.

Check with Toronto Animal Services (TAS) Regularly

Before heading out with posters, it’s crucial to contact Toronto Animal Services (TAS) at 416-338-PAWS (7297) to report your lost pet. Although staff will make efforts to keep you informed about any sightings of your pet, the most reliable method is to visit and keep revisiting each of the four TAS animal care centres in person.

Additionally, you may contact the Toronto Humane Society and the Etobicoke Humane Society to broaden your outreach, although keep in mind that neither organization retains lost animals; they are transferred to Toronto Animal Services.

List on Pet-Oriented Websites

Helping Lost Pets is a map-based platform that aggregates lost and found pets from across North America. Although it requires free registration to access features such as email alerts, having a profile ready in advance can expedite the process if your pet goes missing. This site also provides a community-driven approach, allowing you to assist in finding other lost animals.

The Humane Society of Canada also offers listings for lost and found pets on their website.

But Don’t Forget Other Websites

Online Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist and Kijiji have dedicated sections for “Pets” and Community Lost and Found categories. Be vigilant as animals may be listed in various sections. Utilizing key search terms without being overly specific can yield better results.

Facebook: Numerous groups are dedicated to sharing information about lost and found pets in the Greater Toronto Area. You can share about your lost pet on these pages and keep an eye on updates from others as well.

• Lost and Found Pets of Ontario
• The Toronto Pet Daily
• Lost and Found Pets of Toronto

Consider creating a post on your own Facebook timeline, including an image of the pet and relevant information to aid in sharing across your network. Tools like Picresize can assist if photo adjustments are needed.

Twitter: Don’t overlook Twitter as a viable platform to spread your message. Utilize localized hashtags such as #toronto to enhance your reach.

Keep Microchips and Licenses Up to Date

If your cat or dog is licensed in Toronto, this expedites communication with Toronto Animal Services. While microchipping is not mandatory, doing so significantly improves chances of reuniting with a lost pet. In the event your microchipped pet goes missing, promptly contact the microchip company to ensure your contact details are current.

Follow-up When Your Pet is Found

When you are fortunate enough to have your pet safely back home, it’s essential to take down posters, flyers, and online listings. This action helps avoid “poster blindness” in the community, thereby allowing others to effectively spread the word about their missing pets.

Updated information and resources can make a significant difference in the search for lost pets.