MY PET IS LOST

We're sorry your pet is missing! We know you want to do everything you can to be reunited. All stray pets with HSMC will be listed below. The Humane Society of Mason County is a foster-based organization; we do not have a physical shelter building to house stray pets.

TIPS FOR FINDING A LOST PET

Check Inside the Home: Cats, in particular, can hide easily within the home. If you didn't see them run off and there is a possibility they might still be inside, check every possible hiding spot, including the dryer, cabinets and under the beds.

Search the Area Repeatedly: Search the vicinity as often as you can. Check all possible hiding places. Most pets don't initially wander far from home, especially cats. Talk in a calm, natural voice. Refrain from calling out their name as this could force them further into hiding. Once dark, use a flashlight to look for light reflecting in the animal's eyes. Don't forget to look up, as cats could be in a tree or on top of a structure.

Reach out to Neighbors: If your pet went missing from home, contact your neighbors, asking them to keep an eye out. If you lost your pet while out hiking in a park or elsewhere, speak with people who live in the area. Make sure they have your contact information so they can contact you if they find your pet. Post to your neighborhood Facebook group or email listserv, if you have it, or onto NextDoor, 

Check Security Cameras: Ask neighbors to check for sightings on their home cameras and any trail cameras they may have. Make a record of any sightings, the date and time to see if there is a pattern of movement. This will be helpful in determining where a trap should be placed, if one is needed. 

Update Microchip Information: Call to ensure your microchip contact information is current and to report your pet as missing.

Additional Suggestions: Place your dirty/worn clothing outside your home where your pet might travel. Leave the gate open and raise the garage door. You might want to leave your pet's bedding in the garage along with water. Setting out your cat's dirty litter box is NOT recommended. Please seek professional advice prior to attempting to trap your pet.
Spread the Word: Share a photo and a description of your pet and the general area where you think they might be. 
  • Petco Love Lost - HSMC partners with Petco Love to help reunite pets and their people. Petco Love Lost is a free tool that unifies lost and found pet listings from across the country—including posts from animal welfare organizations, Nextdoor, and Neighbors by Ring—into one searchable database. The platform uses photo-matching AI to help reunite pets by comparing images of lost pets with those of found pets. 

  • Word of Mouth - Go door to door to let your neighbors know to be on the lookout for your pet. Ask them to check for sightings on security cameras.

  • Neighborhood Communications - Share that your pet is lost to your community Facebook or email list, You may also want to post on Nextdoor.

  • Post Flyers - You can also print flyers to post in the area. Canva offers a Lost Pet Template. Consider placing your flyer on large neon poster board for greater visibility (see example).

  • Facebook - Post to the lost and found Facebook groups in your area. In Mason County, you may wish to report to Lost & Found Pets of Mason County. and Mason County Washington Lost & Found Pets. These groups have helped reunite many lost pets with their owners. ​

Check other Local Organizations:
City of Shelton Animal Shelter  (360) 427-7503
Kitsap Humane Society (360) ​692-6977
Loss Prevention for Dogs: This article by Lost Dogs of King County provides helpful information for loss prevention and recovery.

DON'T GIVE UP!

Finding a lost pet can take time. Remember to regularly check websites that you have posted your lost pet on and make updates as needed. New lost and found pets are added regularly to Petco Love Lost and to your local shelters.