Lost Pets

Finding a lost pet

August 18, 2008 2:10:44 pm | by Diane McCartney | Wichita Paws |

If you've ever lost a pet, you know what a traumatic experience it can be. What steps can you take to get your pet back safe at home as quickly as possible? And what should you do if you find a stray pet? Here are some tips:

1. The Wichita Animal Shelter has a new way to view lost pets online. Animals admitted to the shelter are now being posted on the Web site www.petharbor.com. Use the instructions below to search for lost pets at the shelter.

  • Go to the website www.petharbor.com.

  • Enter your ZIP Code or city name in the appropriate field and click the "Find Shelters" search button.

  • Check the box next to "Wichita Animal Shelter" and click the "Search Now" button.

  • Click the "I Lost My Pet" button.

  • Click the button for the type of animal that you have lost (Dog, Cat or Other).

  • You may choose to narrow your search by breed, gender, size, age and predominate color at this time but please keep in mind that the more narrow your search, the fewer results you will receive. If you do not specify any criteria in the search fields and just click the "Search Now" button, you will be able to browse all entries from the shelter. It is a much broader search but improves your chances of finding your lost pet. Please remember that your description of the animal may be different from the description posted on the web site. We advise that you keep your search as broad as possible. If you have lost a pet we still advise that you visit the Wichita Animal Shelter regularly.

  • Most of the animals will have a picture accompanied with the date the animal was impounded to assist in proper identification and a timely return to the owner. If the animal listing does not have a picture and you suspect that the animal may be yours, visit the Wichita Animal Shelter at 3303 N. Hillside.

  • If you find your animal on the Web site, call the Wichita Animal Shelter at 316-838-9623 and notify staff. They will need the animal number displayed to the right of the picture.

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If you do not see your lost animal using this service, we recommend you visit the Wichita Animal Shelter at 3303 N. Hillside (K-96 & Hillside) during business hours to make sure the animal wasn’t picked up. Lost and stray animals are held for only three days starting the day after the animal is impounded. You may call the Wichita Animal Shelter at 316-838-9623 for more information and tips on finding a lost pet, but remember that only you can identify your lost pet, so please visit the shelter at least every three days.

Outside Wichita, call Sedgwick County animal control at 316-660-7070 or 1-800-527-0709

2. Other Internet sites that may be helpful:

3. Place ads in newspapers and with radio stations. Include the pet's sex, age, weight, breed, color and any special markings. When describing a pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and ask the person who finds your pet - or is looking for one - to describe it. Advertise in the Sunday paper as well as during the week, and check the "found" ads every day.

  • Wichita Eagle classified ads, 316-262-4222
  • KFDI Pet Patrol, 316-821-2008

4. Search the neighborhood immediately and post fliers within a mile radius of where your pet was lost. Walk or drive through the neighborhood several times a day. Ask neighbors (including children), letter carriers and delivery people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a recent photograph of your pet and information on how you can be reached. Large colorful fliers that say "REWARD" in large letters and have photos will get the most attention. However, beware of scams:

  • Include your phone number but not your name or address.
  • Offer a reward, but don't say how much.
  • Withhold identifying marks and characteristics of the pet, so you can verify that someone has actually found your pet.
  • Be particularly wary of people who insist that you give or wire them money for the return of your pet.
  • Never respond to a "found" pet contact alone. Arrange to meet in a public place and take a friend or two along.

5. Call local animal rescue groups to see if they might have your pet or know anything about it.

6. Be proactive to protect your pets now:

  • Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and ID tag with your name, address and telephone numbers. Consider microchipping your pet to make identification easier. And take some good photos of your pet.
  • Pet-proof your yard so your cat or dog will be safely confined. Check your fence regularly for new escape routes. Keep gates securely locked. Never allow pets to roam free.
  • Always transport a cat in a carrier, and keep dogs on a leash.
  • Spay or neuter your pets so they'll be less likely to roam.

7. Don't give up on your search. Pets that have been missing for months have been reunited with their owners.

Sources: City of Wichita, Kansas Humane Society, Humane Society of the United States, Petrescue.com