What to do if you have lost your pet

• Get the word out early! 
• Contact the SPCA as soon as you can on 09 4077515.
• Advise all of your neighbours – in person or via notices in letterboxes or on a street power pole.  (Remember animals will travel across country very easily).
• Report lost dogs to the Far North District Council on 0800 920 029.
• If you suspect your pet has been stolen you should also notify the police.
• If your pet has not returned in a day or two, advertisements in newspapers and community noticeboards are worthwhile (remember to advertise in the area the animal was lost in).

www.petsonthenet.co.nz is a wonderful “lost and found” database accessible to the general public.

Tips for ensuring your pet has the best possible chance of being reunited with you:

1.       ALWAYS get your pet microchipped and listed on the NZ Companion Animal Register.  Even if they are lost without their collar and tags, they will always be identified, and their owners traced, by their microchip.  SPCA’s, Vets and Councils are all able to scan for a microchip and check for owners details on the Companion Animal Register.   If your pet is ever stolen (Heaven forbid!) - a microchip provides a unique “serial” number proving the identity of your animal. (Microchipping dogs is compulsory but microchipping cats , pet rabbits and even horses, is highly recommended.)

2.       The simplest, cheapest, most effective means of identification is a metal disc with your phone number engraved on it, attached to your pet’s collar.  These can be purchased from the Watch and Engraving Company in Homestead Road Kerikeri, any Mitre 10 store and a variety of designs are also available through pet stores and most vets.

3.       Have good, clear photographs of your pet on hand just incase they are needed for “lost” posters or websites.

What to do if you have found an animal

If you find a lost or injured animal contact your local SPCA on 09 407 7515.

Important safety tip! Sometimes we see a distressed animal running by a roadway. Please be very careful or you could cause the animal to run into the traffic; this could cause an accident resulting in injury to the animal or to other people. If in doubt please call the SPCA and leave it to the experts.