Anna S.
3 months ago
If you have not done so already:
(1) Go to any animal shelter, vet clinic or 24 hour pet hospital to get it scanned for a microchip for free. Be sure they scan thoroughly twice including legs since microchips can migrate.
(2) File reports with several area animal shelters in a wider area, filing a report with an animal shelter is required by Virginia law within 48 hours and it is illegal to rehome the pet until some time has been given for owner(s) to find the pet,
(3) upload photos to PetcoLoveLost.org for facial recognition software to help match to photos of lost and found pets
(4) Make a post on NextDoor and Neighbors by Ring apps (free neighborhood apps), and post flyers around the area since some people are not on social media.
Please note that owners may speak other languages, may have had a medical emergency, may be traveling and the pet was under the care of a pet sitter and may be unaware that their pet is lost. We usually recommend turning the pet over to the animal shelter to handle claims of ownership and rehoming.
Please require proof of ownership if someone tries to claim the pet (other photos or videos of or with the pet, pet license, description of unique birth marks, pet’s gender, verified adoption papers, etc). Some people falsely claim pets to resell or abuse them. If anyone asks you to send them a code, it is a scam.
Thank you for caring!
