Missing Pets / What To Do

At Urban Search and Rescue, we love our dogs and realize that others enjoy their pet's company as do we.  While we are not always available to do pet search, (human searches take priority), there are times that we can search for a missing pet.  We have found pet searches to be a valuable training aid for our new handlers.

Noting this, please keep in mind that we will ASSIST you, we will not do it all for you.  We expect you to take an active part in the search for your animal.

For us to be able to search for your dog, (we don't search for cats), we need an uncontaminated scent article.  That would be the dog's collar, bedding, toy, etc., that would have your animal's scent on it.  If you have multiple pets in your home, we cannot use articles that would have several animals' scent on it.   

We often tell people to collect and store hair from their animal as a precaution beforehand, in the event an animal goes missing.  To collect this sample, use non-latex gloves, to prevent as much as possible your contaminating the sample with your scent.  Gather some hair from various areas on your dog utilizing a brush that is NOT used on another animal.  Place this hair in a ziplock bag, close it, roll it up and put that in another ziplock bag.  Store in a cool, DRY place and be sure to mark the date collected.  Repeat every three months.  If you are unsure about all of this, call us.  If we have someone available, we will come out to your house and collect it for you.

We would also need several pictures of your animal for our K9 Handlers and also for the creation of missing flyers.

• Start the search immediately.
• Call and talk to delivery people such as FedEx, UPS, the mail carrier, and anyone who works outside such as landscapers and pool cleaners, construction workers, garbage trucks.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, neighbors, etc.
• Distribute pictures of animal and detailed description.
• Remember, children on bikes can cover a large area.
• Cell phones will help to communicate with others in search.  Plug in phone numbers to your phone.
• Try different times of day or night.  Cats are more active early morning and at night.  Dogs may be active anytime and may tend to run farther.  Dogs may burrow into self-made dens and cats may climb trees. 
• Do not chase and never yell at the animal!  Establish contact by calling and whistling.  Never call your pet across a busy road.  Stay calm.  Attempt to stop or slow traffic keeping your own safety in mind.  Bring favorite toy.
• Carry a flashlight and leash and collar with you.
• Extend the search to surrounding areas.  Drive through neighborhoods while calmly calling. 
• Place Hav-a-Hart traps in areas where your pet may have been spotted or regularly visits.  Consult with Critter Management of Hilton Head Island for traps, or Hilton Head Humane.
• Search far and wide.
• Do not underestimate how far an animal can travel in a short period of time.  Your pet's appearance may change through weight loss or matted and dirty coat.  Also, someone else's interpretation of your description may vary greatly.  Collars can be broken off and your pet may no longer be wearing tags. Everyone who knows the animal should help visit these places in person, repeatedly.
• Do not call 911 - call local police, state troopers, county sheriffs.
• Prepare flyers with photos and detailed description and when your animal was lost.  After getting permission, post them at vets' offices, animal hospitals, feed stores, kennels, groomers, pet shops, community bulletin boards, shopping centers, places of worship, schools, grocery stores, gas stations, post offices, laundromats, tree and telephone poles in highly trafficked areas.
• Place ads in newspapers, both local and slightly outside the area.
• Place the information on the Internet at lost and found sites.
• KEEP SEARCHING - many pets can disappear for months and still turn up.
• If pet is found, notify everyone you sent a fax to advising them and thanking them.
• Go to the following website Find Toto, very good website for lost dog resources.

Good luck, and most importantly, do not give up.  Some searches have gone on for a week or better before we had a recovery. 

Lastly, we do not charge for our services.  We are an all volunteer organization.  However, due to the current cost of gas, we ask that you cover our expenses.  Afterwards, if you would like to make a donation, we will graciously accept it and put it to good use.