Lost Pet Help Center
Everything you need when your dog or cat goes missing — free alerts, step-by-step guides, and local resources all in one place.
🚨 Post a Lost Pet Alert Now🚨 Pet just went missing? Every minute counts. Post a free alert on Afinderly — your neighbors will be notified instantly.
10M+
Pets lost in the US each year (ASPCA)
93%
Reunion rate when microchipped & reported promptly
48hrs
Critical window — act immediately
2.5x
Higher reunion rate with microchip vs without
Step-by-Step Guides
Dogs run; cats hide. Your strategy must match your pet's species and temperament. Start with the guide that fits your situation.
How to Find a Lost Dog
Complete 15-step action plan
How to Find a Lost Cat
Cat-specific strategies — very different from dogs
The First 48 Hours
Priority actions in the critical window
My Dog Ran Away
Why dogs escape and how to find them
Indoor vs Outdoor Cat
Different strategies for each situation
Advanced Recovery Tips
When the basic search has stalled
Tools & Resources
Flyer Guide
What to include and where to post
Microchip Lookup
Check every registry
Social Media Strategy
Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram playbook
Best GPS Pet Trackers
FI, Whistle, Tile compared honestly
Best Lost Pet Apps 2026
Top apps ranked and reviewed
How to Search Shelters
Tips most people miss
Pet Amber Alert Systems
Existing national networks explained
Using a Humane Trap
Best recovery tool for missing cats
Special Situations
Missing for a Week+
Extended search strategies
Lost Senior Dog
Special considerations for older dogs
Shy or Fearful Dog
Never chase — completely different approach
Lost in Woods
Wilderness and rural search
Storm or Fireworks Escape
Panic-bolt recovery
Lost While Traveling
Out-of-town search guide
Suspected Theft
Steps when someone took your pet
Deaf or Blind Pet
Special needs recovery strategies
Found Someone's Pet?
Resources by City
Post a Free Lost Pet Alert
Afinderly notifies pet owners, rescues, shelters, and groomers in your ZIP code — free.
Post Alert Now — It's Free
