
Protocols for Finding a Lost Pet
Whether your pet managed to get out the front door, the yard fence was open, or whatever the reason, a runaway pet can soon become a lost pet. Where do you start? What do you do? Who do you call? Here is what you can do to hopefully bring your pet safe and sound.
At Home
- Before you start combing the neighborhood, check the rooms of your home, underneath furniture or tables closets, garage, yard, or any outside buildings on your property.
- Make sure you close off any of the rooms to prevent them from moving from room to room.
- Do NOT leave food out or outside the home.
- You can leave water, but avoid putting food out as your pet has less of a reason to come to you.
Have Photos and Information Ready
- Having as many multiple angles and current photos of your pet, particularly if your pet has any unique markings or traits.
- Where Pet was lost, last seen and/or what direction it ran off too.
- Update this Information with any leads and sightings.
- Consider offering a Cash Reward.
- Use this Pet Identification Flier, it can be used on Social Media or as a paper Flier:

Who to Inform and Where to Share Fliers
- Animal Services
- Orange County Animal Services: (407) 836-3111 or 311
- Community Boards
- Local Businesses and Dog Parks
- Social Media
- In this day and age chances are VERY good that your Community has or is on:
- Facebook Group or Page
- You can post the information on fliers and Social Media.
- Make sure on Social Media that your post is “SHARAEABLE”
- Nextdoor
- Nextdoor also allows you to have access to communities and neighborhoods that surround yours.
- Facebook Group or Page
- In this day and age chances are VERY good that your Community has or is on:
- Your Neighbors/Subdivision/HOA
- You Can post Fliers at the Entry Points of the Neighborhood and Parks.
- If possible print the poster on colorful paper or brightly colored fonts.
- Wrap or cover your posters in aplastic so they don’t disintegrate and fall to the ground if they become wet.
- You Can post Fliers at the Entry Points of the Neighborhood and Parks.
- Your Personal Veterinarian and Local Veterinarians Nearby
- Non-Emergency Services
- Police Department
- Orange County: (407)-254-700
- Winter Garden: (407)-656-3636
- Windermere: (407) 905-6333
- Police Department
Additional Websites and Facebook Pages
- Nextdoor
- Lost & Found Pets West Orange County FL – Ocoee, Winter Garden and Windermere: www.facebook.com/groups/lostandfoundpetwestorange/
- 24PetWatch: https://www.24petwatch.com
- Pawboost: http://www.pawboost.com
- FidoFinder: http://www.fidofinder.com
- LostMyDoggie: http://www.lostmydoggie.com
- OCAS Forum: http://apps.ocfl.net/forums/default.asp
Visit the Shelters and Check-In with Rescue groups
File a lost pet report with every shelter within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.

2769 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839
http://www.ocnetpets.com/
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