Helpful Tips

• Post flyers of your lost animal, and be sure to include a photo.  Be sure to post in businesses, and give a copy to your garbage man and mail man.  They cover a lot of territory, and may just see your lost animal. 
• Search near water sources.  Find the nearest pond, river, creek, etc.  Your lost animal will need to find water to survive.
• Go visit the local impounds.  The person at the pound may not describe the animal the same way you do, or may not be familiar with your dogs breed.  Minneapolis Animal Control only takes reports of lost pets in person.  You cannot call it in.
• Contact impounds other than the one for your area.  When a person finds an animal, they will often take it to the impound facility they are familiar with.  They won't always call to find out where the correct facility is.  There was a posting a while back on Craig's list, where the person said they found the dog in Brooklyn Park, and took it to the Woodbury Humane Society!

Prevent Loss or things to do to ensure you find your pet

• Microchip your pet!  If you move, be sure to update the contact information with the microchip company.
• If the dog is larger than about 30 lbs, it should wear a buckle collar, not a snap collar.  The cutest collars are the snap collars, but they really aren't meant for large strong dogs.
• Be sure your animal has a rabies tag and ID tag on their collar.
• Be sure to regularly check fencing and tie outs to make sure they are secure.  Put locks on your gates if possible, or a spring to make sure they automatically close.
• Do not leave your dog outside unattended for long periods of time. 
• Make sure you have a clear photo or multiple photos of your pet.  Be sure they are clear enough and close enough that another person could recognize your pet from the photo.