Having a beloved pet go missing is a very stressful event for all pet owners. Hancock County Animal Control works diligently to reunite lost pets with their family.
If your pet goes missing, it is imperative to contact the Animal Control Office as soon as possible. A lost pet can be reported to Animal Control by contacting 419-423-1664 ext. 123 or by submitting a report online.
If your pet goes missing:
Animal Control will work to match your lost pet with animals entering the shelter and reports of found animals. Be descriptive as possible when reporting a lost pet; provide color, size, gender, color and type of collar if wearing one, and area where he or she was last seen.
Reports of lost pets are kept for 30 days. If you find your pet after making a report, please contact Animal Control to have your report removed.
Utilize Social Media
Social media can be a valuable tool to use when searching for a lost pet.
If possible, share a picture of your pet and provide the location he or she is missing from.
Numerous Facebook groups exist for the purpose of sharing lost and found animals.
Post flyers in the area your pet went missing
Print flyers with a photo and description of your pet in the area he or she went missing. Include the best way to contact you should someone find your pet.
Search online for helpful templates or click the links below to find lost pet poster generators.
Place an ad in your local newspaper
Many newspapers will print lost and found notices for no charge.
To help ensure the quick and safe return of your pet
Affix a tag to your pet's collar
All dogs over the age of 3 months are required to wear a valid county dog license at all times.
The license number can be provided to Animal Control or searched through the County Auditor’s website in order to locate the owner’s name and contact information.
Additionally, custom tags can be made with the owner’s address and/or phone number at area merchants.
Microchips
Microchips are a great, permanent form of identification, however; microchips are only effective if they have been registered with a microchip registry
If your pet is microchipped, be sure the microchip is registered and the information is kept current
Most major microchip manufacturers allow information to be updated free of charge, regardless of membership status. Additionally, Found Animals Registry is a free microchip registry. Any brand of microchip can be registered with Found Animals. Visit their website at www.foundanimals.org