Time is of the essence when a pet has been lost. Please utilize the resources on this page, intended to aid in the search and return of lost pets on Cape Ann and beyond.
FILE A LOST PET REPORT
If you lost your dog, we strongly encourage you to file a Lost Dog Report Form through Missing Dogs Massachusetts (MDM) as soon as possible. MDM is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that works to reunite missing and found dogs with their families. MDM works cooperatively with animal control officers, rescues, shelters, law enforcement, and the media. They have an impressive track record!
SIMPLE STEPS FOR LOSS PREVENTION
Check out this great video about preventing you pet from getting lost, created by Missing Dogs Massachusetts
TIPS FOR FINDING A LOST PET
In the event that your dog/cat gets lost, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of finding him/her:
- LOOK AROUND YOUR HOUSE
- As soon as you notice your pet is missing, look for him/her first inside and outside of your house. Your pet may be in a closet, a dark corner, or even inside bulky furniture and other small places. Try making cues that usually interest your pet (i.e.: opening the dog food container or jingling a favorite toy).
- As soon as you notice your pet is missing, look for him/her first inside and outside of your house. Your pet may be in a closet, a dark corner, or even inside bulky furniture and other small places. Try making cues that usually interest your pet (i.e.: opening the dog food container or jingling a favorite toy).
- GET THE WORD OUT TO NEIGHBORS
- Go door to door in your neighborhood and let your neighbors know your pet is missing. Sometimes, pets may hide in a neighbor’s garage or have found an open window and may be hiding or accidentally locked in a basement or shed etc.
- USE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
- Call/email all local animal shelters, groomers, animal control, and veterinary offices to report your missing pet. You should also bring them a flyer to post. (See our Quick Contact List below.)
- Send emails to friends, family, and coworkers on your email list and ask them to pass on the info to anyone in the area.
- Post messages and pictures on message boards and forums.
- RUN AN AD IN THE PAPER
- Place an ad in the local paper. Some papers will run lost and found messages in the classified sections for free or at a low cost.
- CONTACT MICROCHIP COMPANY
- If your pet is microchipped, contact the company where your microchip is registered and let them know you pet is missing. Oftentimes, microchip companies maintain a database of animal care businesses etc. where they can send a missing pet alert. You'll also want to be sure your contact information in association with the microchip is up to date.
- MAKE FLYERS
- Make flyers to hand out and post around the area with your pet’s picture and a description:
- Use large and clear font that can be easily read.
- Be sure to include a telephone number that somebody will answer or that has voicemail.
- If you chose to offer a reward, use caution in responding to people who claim to have found your pet
- Ask businesses if you can post a flyer in their store (retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores etc.
- Make flyers to hand out and post around the area with your pet’s picture and a description:
QUICK CONTACT LIST
For animals lost on Cape Ann, you may refer to this list of local places you may want to contact to report your lost pet.
Please note, this is a partial list and you are encouraged to research additional resources especially depending on your location.
Please note, this is a partial list and you are encouraged to research additional resources especially depending on your location.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICES
Gloucester Animal Control: 978-325-5480 Rockport Police Department: 978-546-1212 Essex Dog Officer: 978-768-6363 Ipswich Animal Control: 978-356-6652 Manchester Animal Control: (978) 526-1212 Beverly Animal Control: (978) 921-6000 x2361 Salem Animal Control: (978) 744-0171 x121 Danvers Animal Control: 978-777-0001 x3023 LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS
Cape Ann Animal Aid - Gloucester: 978-283-6055 Ipswich Humane Group - Ipswich: 978-356-6652 Northeast Animal Shelter - Salem: 978-745-9888 Marblehead Animal Shelter - Marblehead: 781-631-8664 Peabody Animal Lifesavers - Peabody: 978-531-7478 Merrimack River Feline Rescue - Salisbury: 978-462-0760 MSPCA - Boston: 617-522-7282 MSPCA - Methuen: 978-687-7453 LOCAL VETERINARIAN OFFICES
Cape Ann Veterinary Hospital - Gloucester: 978-283-3238: North Shore Veterinary Hospital - Gloucester: 978-283-0214 SeaPort Veterinary Hospital - Gloucester: 978-283-8883 Beverly Animal Natural Health - Beverly: 978-927-3622 Beverly Farms Veterinary Clinic - Beverly: 978-927-0317 Borash Veterinary Clinic - Danvers: 978-531-8713 Ipswich Animal Hospital - Rowley: 978-948-8189 Manchester Animal Hospital - Manchester: 978-526-9500 SRH Veterinary Services - Ipswich: 978-356-1119 |
OTHER LOST PET RESOURCES/LISTINGS*
Cape Ann Lost Pets Facebook Group Missing Dogs Massachusetts (Massachusetts Only) MA Lost Pets Facebook Group Granite State Dog Recovery (New Hampshire Only) Commonwealth Cat Recovery Help Lost Pets - Map FindingRover.com |
*Note: Cape Ann Animal Aid is not affiliated with these websites/groups and is not responsible for any content on these websites.