Start looking for your companion animal immediately. Search the neighbourhood thoroughly for hiding places. Animals stay very close to home, but they hide. Cats normally are only one house away. Your companion may come home in a week, but you cannot wait that long.
At the same time, report that your animal is missing. When the disaster emergency is declared, it should be announced where to make these reports. In most instances, the report will be made at the place designated as an animal shelter. Check all animal shelters at least every day. Take a picture of your companion animal with you to show them. Fill in a lost animal form if they have one. If they have a list of animals found dead, swallow hard and look at it.
If you find your companion animal after making a report, or it comes home, be sure to report that too.
| Don't forget ID Your companion animals should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times, and if possible, microchipped. It's a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area - if your companion animal is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home. |