Immediately print fliers with a picture and description of your animal. On the flier should be a picture of your animal, a detailed description, general area where the pet was lost, your name, telephone number(s) and "reward offered". The reward offered does not need to be a great amount but might entice children in your area to help look for your lost pet. Place the fliers in as many locations in your area as you can. Don't forget the local veterinarians, convenience stores and grocery stores. You should ask the management permission to place the flier and then have tape with you to actually put the flier up yourself.

Go door to door in your area and either talk to your neighbors or leave your flier. The more people who know your animal is lost; the better. Comb your neighborhood especially in the morning and early evening or at your pet's normal feeding time. For cats kept mostly inside place an article of clothing with your scent along the perimeter of your property to entice your cat back into your yard. Indoor cats are at a huge disadvantage once outside being able to sense their way home.

 You need to visit the shelter in your jurisdiction every other day. Most shelters are only required to hold an animal for 72 hours.   Animals can travel so if your pet isn't in the shelter of your jurisdiction, check the other shelters also.

If you can, visit the shelters in neighboring jurisdictions. Lost animals can travel or be transported to another neighborhood before being picked up and taken to a shelter.

When visiting the shelters you need to not only look at all the animals being held but to also check the books located at each shelter. Shelter books will list animal description of those animals found dead, those animals injured and receiving medical care at a veterinarian and those found animals being held by individuals and organizations.

Call as many animal organizations as you can and give a detailed description of your lost animal along with your name and telephone number. Follow up this telephone call by mailing the organization your flier with your pet's picture.