How to Make a Missing-Pet Post People Can Actually Use

Someone reading your post should quickly know what the pet looks like, where and when they were last seen, and how to report a sighting. Put the town and last-seen area in the post itself, not only in a group name. A shared screenshot may reach people who cannot see the original page.

Choose a clear, recent photo that shows the animal's face, coat, and markings. Avoid a collage so busy that the pet looks tiny. If you have a second useful view, add it separately. Keep other people's faces, private paperwork, and unnecessary personal details out of the picture.

Replace the bracketed details and attach the photo before posting. Use your own contact number or one you have permission to share—not our business number as the sighting contact unless that arrangement has been agreed with us.

A nearby intersection, road segment, or landmark is usually more useful than a broad county name. If the animal moved, clearly distinguish the escape location from the latest confirmed sighting. Include the full date and time so 'last night' does not become confusing as the post circulates.

You do not need to publish your home address, your schedule, or private access instructions. Share sensitive details directly with trusted people helping the search. It can also help to keep one identifying detail private so you can check a claim that someone has found your pet.

Ask for sightings to be sent directly to the listed contact rather than relying only on comments. Request a location, time, direction of travel, and a photo if it can be taken safely. Make it clear that you do not want people chasing the pet or organizing their own pursuit.

Share the notice with relevant local lost-and-found groups and report the pet to local shelters or animal control as appropriate. Check each group's rules. Online posts supplement a physical search and local reporting; they are not a reason to stop checking the places your pet may be hiding.

Put a dated update near the top of the original notice. Mark an uncertain report as unconfirmed, and avoid turning every comment into a new search location. Ask people who shared screenshots to include a link to the original so readers can find current information.

When your pet is found, edit the original post to say FOUND or HOME with the date, notify groups and local organizations you contacted, and remove physical posters you placed. This helps prevent people from continuing an outdated search. Be cautious of anyone demanding money or a verification code to prove they have your pet; ask for identifying details and a current photo.

We travel beyond 30 miles. The first 30 driving miles from our Dover, Ohio base are included in the search price. If you’re farther away, give us a call to discuss availability and travel costs. Each mile beyond the included 30 costs $2, calculated using the driving distance to your location. This single charge covers the trip there and back.

If you’re 45 driving miles away, the total travel charge is $30.

We also serve locations outside this circle. The circle shows distance in a straight line. Travel charges are based on driving distance. Contact us to confirm coverage for your location.