Palm Beach Pet Set: What to do to find your lost or stolen pet

Would you know what to do if the unthinkable happened, if your beloved dog or cat disappeared?

Maybe you think it could never happen to you because you’re careful. Your pets are microchipped, and they always wear collars with identification, and they would never run off on their own. 

But dogs and cats may suddenly become frightened and bolt, say if they hear thunder or fireworks. Or their collars or leashes could break. Or maybe they weren’t tight enough and slipped over their heads.

And here’s another horrifying thought: Your pet could be stolen. Again, maybe you think it couldn’t happen to you. 

But it’s happened to a lot of pet owners; there was a 30% increase nationwide last year in dog napping. 

Dogs have been grabbed from their owners (or dog walkers), or stolen from yards, or grabbed when their owners were foolish enough to attach their dog to something outside and then leave them alone while they went inside someplace. Thieves have also been known to break a car’s window and grab a pet inside the vehicle. Or break a window in a home if they see a dog or cat.  

The owners of the following dog breeds should be especially alert because, according to the American Kennel Club, these are the 10 dogs most likely to be stolen. French bulldogs top the list followed by Yorkshire terriers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies, shih tzus, bulldogs, golden retrievers, pit bulls and Chihuahuas.

Palm Beachers may be unaware that there is a local option for finding a lost pet. It’s called Pawboost Alert, and this Facebook-related website claims to have reunited over 1 million pets in America with their greatly relieved owners.

If (unhappily) you need them, go to pawbooster.com, sign up, and they will post a Facebook notice to our general area, as well as send out notices to their local “rescue squad.” Additionally, they will add your pet to their lost and found pets database, which they claim is the largest in the country.

Even before you do that, though, here are a few suggestions from a website aptly named lostmydoggie.com to help you get your beloved “child” back.

* Before you hysterically run around searching and shouting, they suggest you check your own home because your pet may be hiding someplace indoors.  And don’t overlook the inside and back of appliances.

* If they’re not at home, you must act fast because the farther away your pets get, the less likely you are to get them back. Furthermore, they could be injured or killed if they wander onto the street. 

* When you drive around searching, bring one of their squeaky toys, or make a lot of familiar sounds to attract them.  

* If searching fails, quickly make flyers. The website suggests you use bright-colored paper on the flyers for higher visibility. Don’t put your name on them; just a phone number or email address. Don’t include all distinguishing marks of your pet so you can prove that the person contacting you is legitimate. There are a lot of scams in this area, especially if you offer a reward (and you should).

* Don’t only post flyers in public places. Give copies to any neighborhood dog walkers, and people in parks, and especially nearby vet offices who are most likely to find your dog.

* And while you’re out, place an item of recently worn clothing of yours outside your home so your dog or cat follows your scent.

Hopefully, you’ll never need this column.