Lost Pets
What to Do if Your Pet Goes Missing
Losing a pet is distressing for you and your family, and for your pet. With this in mind, we have provided you with some useful information that will enable you to begin your search as soon as possible.
AAPS Team
Table of contents
Contributors
Share article
Call your local council and your nearest shelter to inform them of your missing pet and leave your contact number and your pets microchip number with them.
Call your local vets and animal shelters and inform them that your pet is missing. Leave your name and contact phone number and describe your pet to them. (i.e. its breed, age, colour, name and where it was last sighted).
Contact the rescue organisation you adopted your rescue pet from, if applicable. Inform them that your pet has gone missing and to contact you if they are contacted by a vet or council.
Use social media networks to help you find your pet. Use Facebook groups in your local area. Most areas have a ‘Lost Pets’ Facebook Group (we have one- AAPS Lost & Found Pets | Facebook) and they are often very helpful and successful at relocating lost pets.
Make up posters of your missing pet and stick them up in your local area, e.g. parks, coffee shops, shopping centres, local vets and on light posts. Ensure you put a current photo of your pet on the flyer, your mobile number, your pets name and where it was last seen.
Ask your friends and family to help you start a search for your pet. The first 24 hours are very important and you have the best chance of finding your pet in this time. The more people that know, the more eyes can be out there helping to look for your pet.
Not only is it, by law, mandatory that all pets are microchipped ,but it is so important that your pet is microchipped, even if you believe they will never wander out of your sight. We want to see every lost pet reunited with their loved ones, but this is much harder to achieve when they are not microchipped. It is a small price to pay for returning your precious pet home to you in the event they go missing.
Every animal that is found and taken to a shelter or pound will be scanned for a microchip. If your details are correct, this will result in a speedy return home. If your details are incorrect, your pet may never find their way back home. If you are unsure which database your animal’s microchip is registered with, visit www.petaddress.com.au where you can enter in the microchip number and the site will tell you which database the microchip is registered to.
Explore More Pet Stories & Tips
Discover articles, guides, and tips to help your pets thrive and learn more about adoption, behaviour, and health.
Cat Care . Dog Care . Vet Tips
Moraya, Garett, AAPS Head Vet
31 Aug 2026
Cat Care . Dog Care . Vet Tips
Moraya, Garett, AAPS Head Vet
31 Aug 2026
Stay in Touch
Stay updated with us by simply filling out the form to subscribe.
Need Help or Want to Adopt? Get in Touch Today!
Cats
Browse our cats looking for loving homes. Each one has a unique personality waiting to brighten your life.
Dogs
Browse our dogs looking for loving homes. Each one is ready to bring joy, companionship and plenty of tail wags to your life.
Adoption Process & Enquiry
At AAPS, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from first search to bringing your pet home.
Become A Foster Carer
Thinking about fostering? Our team is here to help you support pets in need.
Volunteer
Support AAPS by donating your time. Volunteer roles include animal care, event support, administrative assistance, and community outreach. Volunteering is a rewarding way to directly impact animals’ lives.
