 Keep
Your Pet Safe
- Every year more than 1,000 lost pets are reported to the New
Hampshire SPCA in Stratham.
- At least 680 strays arrive into our care each year.
- Every day we receive an average of 5 phone calls from people
searching for their lost pet, adding up to over 1,600 calls annually.
- Sadly only 1% of cats are reunited with their owners and 75%
of dogs are returned home.
An I.D. and collar for all your pets -
it's the only way to keep them Safe and Found
Make sure your pet always wears a collar with securely attached
tags that have your contact info. It doesn't matter if the pet never
goes outside. Hundreds of "indoor only" cats end up at
our door. Remember, bad things can happen and all it takes is a
split second!
Know what your pet looks like. This may sound silly, but is it
the left or right front foot that has that little spot of white?
You would be surprised how difficult it is to remember details during
great stress. Write it down if necessary!
If you lose your pet -
Despite everything you do right sometimes your pet ends up missing.
Don't lose heart - many people find their lost pets but taking immediate
action can make all the difference. Take the following steps and
remain hopeful.
1. File a Lost Report Immediately!
Call the New Hampshire SPCA and any local vet offices and humane
societies that are within your area right away - don't wait! Tell
them where your pet was lost and provide a detailed description
of your pet. Include a physical description of color, size, age,
and any distinguishing markings.
2. Visit the New Hampshire SPCA in person.
We work hard to try and match any stray pets with lost pets descriptions
but you know your pet the best. You will be more able to recognize
your pet than someone working from a description. Bring a clear
picture to help staff identify your lost animal and personally check
each with us daily until your pet is found. Many pets are found
weeks after they have been missing so don't give up - stay persistent!
3. Act Fast
The NHSPCA's Adoption Center holds dogs for 7 days and cats for
5. Other centers may have different time frames. After that time
animals are evaluated and put up for adoption. Do not assume that
your animal will be housed any longer. Check the adoption centers
frequently.
4. Place flyers in the area where your cat or dog was lost
Try to get your neighbors involved in looking for the missing animal.
Include a photo of the animal and daytime and evening phone numbers.Download
our online flyer (Word Document).
5. Check newspapers and web sites.
Check your local newspapers for any found pets. You can also place
an ad of your own looking for your missing pet in newspapers. There
are also many websites that offer a place to post a lost pet including
the NHSPCA's site - missing pet form.
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