Dogs and cats love to wander outdoors in the warm weather. Quite often an animal owner awakes or comes home to find their loyal pet is missing. This time of year, the Montgomery County SPCA receives up to 5 calls per day in regards to lost or found pets. Here is important information you will need to know if your pet is missing.

First, call the city or town's Dog Control Officer (DCO)  The DCO usually works in or with the local police department. The dog control officer's job is to pick up dogs wandering in the area and bring them to a holding facility. If the DCO has not picked up your dog, give the officer your pet's information. A good citizen may find your lost pet and call the police.

A walk around the neighborhood may help find your missing pet. Ask neighbors if they have seen your lost animal. Bring a picture of your pet to show the people you speak with. 

Next, place calls to all the veterinarians and animal shelters in and around your area. Give employees a complete description of your pet, the location it was last seen and a phone number where you can be reached. A concerned stranger may call or bring in your pet to one of these locations. The shelter and vets office will usually post your pets description on their bulletin board. 

It is a good idea to make LOST PET signs with a picture of your pet. Place the signs at  corner stores, gas stations, or other busy areas. Please ask store managers before posting LOST signs. 

These suggestions may help your lost pet find its way home. When your pet returns to you, please call back all the facilities where you reported it missing. Remember, these animal lovers are all still looking for your pet.

There are several ways to keep your pet safe on your property. Do not leave your pet outdoors unsupervised. If you must leave your pet outside, buy a secure outdoor kennel designed for animals. It is very unsafe to leave a pet tied by a rope or chain. Spaying and neutering your pet will help reduce its desire to roam. Finding a lost dog's owner is simple when a license tag is attached to the pets collar. All dog owners should purchase a dog license at the town hall.

If you find a lost or wandering pet, please, do not look the other way. These frightened animals are depending on you to find their loving owners. Remember, a scared pet may scratch or bite a stranger out of fear. Call the police station or local shelters and report the roaming animal. Notify officials of the exact location of the animal and the direction it was heading.

Remember, you can make a positive difference in an animal's life!