Pets Returning Home After They Go Missing: Statistics on Cats
While the initial estimates for felines seem pretty low, it’s important to note that many indoor cats aren’t’ microchipped.
They frequently aren’t wearing ID tags, making it difficult to reconnect the pet with its owner. With 3.2 million cats entering shelters every year, only 90,000 join their families.
Findings of First National Lost Pet Survey Among the key findings:
Only 15 percent of pet guardians reported a lost dog or cat in the past five years.
Percentages of lost dogs versus lost cats were nearly identical: 14 percent for dogs and 15 percent for cats.
93 percent of dogs and 75 percent of cats reported lost were returned safely to their homes.
Only 6 percent of dog owners and 2 percent of cat owners found their lost pets at shelters.
15 percent of dogs were found because they were sporting identification tags or microchips.
How to find a lost dog at night
Looking for a lost dog at night? Here are some tips to help:
Determine your search radius by considering things like your dog’s fitness level, attitude, personality, favorite places and people, or what might have caused them to run off. Get a map and mark off your targeted search area to make your search more efficient.
Make sure you’ve already completed the steps above, such as making flyers, alerting nearby vets and shelters, posting on lost pet websites and social media and reporting your pet lost.
Gather a few close friends and family and others who know your dog to help you on your search. Split up so you can each cover a different area.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you search in the dark.
Call your dog by their name.
Leave your dog’s favorite items like water, food, toys or treats in the spot where your dog ran off. Continue checking that spot, in case your dog returns.
Don’t chase them – this would only make them more anxious or stressed. Let them come back to you.
Do LOST DOGS Find Their Way Home?
The worst nightmare of any dog owner is to find out that your little treasure is missing.
Unfortunately, it happens in the pet world. Dogs run away, dogs are taken, and dogs can become lost. While it is sad to think about, we wanted to create a resource for pet owners in case they want to prepare for the worst – or perhaps for someone looking to find their missing pet. We wish nothing but the speediest return for your best friend if that is the case.