For the past several months, I have watched from afar as a friend on Facebook searches for her lost cat. She is living through one of my worst nightmares: a beloved animal in my care that has gone missing. I feel for her, so very much, and still hold out hope that she finds the cat that she so obviously loves. There are few ordeals more difficult than having a beloved pet go missing. Here are some simple things you can do to make certain that your pet comes home to you.

1. If your pet has been microchipped, contact the microchip company to make sure they have your correct information in case someone locates your pet.
2. Contact local animal shelters and rescue groups to file a Lost Pet report. Make certain that every clinic has a current photo of your pet.
3. Contact local veterinary clinics. Make certain that every clinic has a copy of the missing pet report as well as a current photo of your pet.
4. Contact local radio stations or area television stations to file a Lost Pet report. Make certain to include a current photo of your pet.
5. Create postings about your missing pet on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, craigslist, and so on. Post a photo and description of your missing pet on these pages so that it can be shared with followers.
6. Create a flyer with the animal’s name, age, breed, size, color, markings, last seen location, and the date the animal went missing. Be certain to include any collar or tag information, too.
7. Go to the area shelters and walk the kennels to see if your animal is there. You are the best person to identify your missing pet.
8. Visit www.missingpetpartnership.org for additional information on search techniques, common behaviors of missing animals, and more.

Good luck, and I hope that all family members–bipedal, four-pawed, or hoofed–are home safely every night.