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Did you Lose or Find a Pet in Central Indiana?


Losing a beloved pet or coming across a lost furry friend can be distressing. However, in Central Indiana, Misty Eyes Animal Center in Avon is here to help. Whether you lost your pet or found one wandering, taking immediate action is crucial. This article outlines the steps to follow and provides resources to aid in reuniting lost pets with their owners, or finding a safe haven for strays.
If You' ve Lost Your Pet:
a. Act Quickly: As soon as you realize your pet is missing, start searching your neighborhood and
nearby areas. Call out their name, as they may be nearby and frightened.


b. Contact Local Shelters:  Contact animal control facilities and shelters. 

c. Use Social Media: Share a clear photo and details about your lost pet on your social media accounts. Join local town Facebook groups, post on nextdoor.com.


d. Post Flyers: Create eye-catching flyers with your pet's photo, your contact information, and the last
known location. Post them in your neighborhood, at parks, pet stores, and community bulletin boards. Neon-colored signs are great! Use clear contact paper or clear packaging tape to make them waterproof.


e. Check with Veterinarians: Contact local veterinary clinics to see if anyone has brought in your pet for medical care. 


f. Share your lost pet info with your mail/UPS/FedEx person. They usually spend a lot of time in your
neighborhood and often know where pets live.  Giving them a color flyer is even better so they know
exactly what your dog looks like.


Don’t give up your search. Animals who have been lost for months, even years, have been reunited
with their owners.
 
If You've Found a Lost Pet:
a. Approach with Caution: If you encounter a lost pet, approach them gently and calmly. Some animals may be scared or skittish, so avoid sudden movements.


b. Check for Identification: Look for any tags or collars on the pet for contact information. If possible, try to safely contain the animal.


c. Use Online Resources: Utilize websites like indylostpetalert.com or helpinglostpets.com to
post information about the found pet and search for potential owners.


d. Reach Out to Local Animal Welfare Groups: Contact your local shelter, Misty Eyes Animal Center and other nearby animal rescue organizations. They might have information about missing pets that match the one you found.

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e. Visit a Veterinarian: Take the found pet to a veterinarian, animal clinic, shelter or Petsmart to check for a microchip. This is free of charge and no appointment is needed. Many pets have microchips with their owner's information, facilitating a quick reunion. If it is a weekend or after hours, an ER Vet can help.


f. Beware of Scammers!  There are dishonest people who peruse lost pet sites for dishonorable
reasons.  Do not show a pet’s collar, harness, bandana or other special distinguishing features, such as being spayed/neutered or having mark in a special shape, so that an owner can be asked to identify them. Please DO NOT get involved with those who may dishonestly try to claim a pet as their own or offer to foster/buy the pet. These contacts are illegal. If you suspect this, please contact us with the information communicated and the phone number used.  Local PD authorities will be involved. Often times these animals end up as bait dogs and in other horrific situations. 


An owner should also be asked to provide pictures, adoption records, and/or vet records.  *This is
important for the pet’s safety!* If there is ever a question about returning a pet to its owner, get Indianapolis Animal Care Services or your local Animal Control involved. Tell the potential owner that they can meet you at a shelter to claim their dog. (If you have any questions as to how to do this, let us know!)
 
Losing a pet or finding a lost one can be an emotional experience, but taking swift and strategic action increases the chances of a happy reunion. Misty Eyes Animal Center in Avon, Indiana, is a valuable resource for Central Indiana residents, offering assistance and support in these situations. Remember to share information about lost pets through social media, post flyers, and use online resources to widen the search. If you find a lost pet, approach with caution, check for identification, and seek help from local rescue groups and veterinarians.
Our furry companions bring immeasurable joy to our lives, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Together, we can make a difference in reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding loving homes for those without one. Let's work hand in hand to create a compassionate community for animals in Central Indiana.

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Our furry companions bring immeasurable joy to our lives, and it's our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. Together, we can make a difference in reuniting lost pets with their owners and finding loving homes for those without one. Let's work hand in hand to create a compassionate community for animals in Hendricks County and throughout Central Indiana.

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