If your dog happens to go missing in New Jersey, there are various steps that you can take to aid in search efforts and increase the likelihood of bringing them home. With a variety of resources available to state residents, it's important to remain collected so that you can direct your focus towards reuniting with your dog.
File a Lost Pet Report
This is one of the first actions that you should immediately take upon discovering that your dog is missing. With numerous initiatives to help find lost dogs in New Jersey, facilities are designated by the county, which is why you should file with a center located within your neighborhood. Filing processes differ based on the center you're working with. St Hubert's Animal Welfare, for example, makes it easy to file a report through their online portal. Other facilities, on the other hand, may ask that you submit an email with all of the necessary information.
Filing a lost pet report is extremely time sensitive as limitations on keeping an active file vary based on the center you're conducting your search with. New Jersey's Liberty Human Society keeps missing pet reports for one month following submission. To increase the odds of locating a missing pet during this time frame, they cross-check with surrounding shelters to determine if any pets match your report's description.
New Jersey 7 Day Rule
New Jersey State law requires that any stray animal is to be held for no less than 7 days before the shelter can put it up for adoption. Known as a "stray hold," this policy was implemented to help improve the chances of dogs reuniting with their owners. At the end of the seven-day grace period, any unclaimed pet can legally be adopted by another individual. That said, it's of the utmost importance that you immediately file a missing pet report and contact surrounding shelters to avoid losing custody.
Visit Animal Rescue Shelters
It isn't uncommon for dogs to be taken to animal shelters after being mistaken for a stray. Contact all care centers within a 60-mile radius, as state law requires all strays be housed at the municipal center located within the township they were found. Be sure to take a look at the online adoption database, as there's a possibility your pet could be listed after exceeding the seven-day 'stray hold' policy. This has proven highly effective in helping find lost dogs in New Jersey and reuniting owners with their missing pets.
Search Your Neighborhood
There's no guarantee that your dog is still roaming around your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't look. Search your local area throughout the day, preferably by foot so that you can access areas that would be limited if driving in a vehicle. If you can, enlist a second set of eyes that might spot something which you don't.
If your dog is in the area, you can grab his attention by calling out his name or bringing his favorite treat or squeaky toy. Most importantly, maintain a sense of safety, especially when searching at night, avoiding dark streets, and wearing bright colors to avoid being hit by a vehicle.
Local Recovery Services
Lost Dogs of America is a nonprofit that helps individuals search for their missing pets based on the state they're located in. This nationwide pet recovery service offers a New Jersey extension that helps facilitate search efforts across multiple channels. Upon discovering that your pet is missing, file a report through their online portal so that a New Jersey representative can contact you to kick off search efforts.
Lost Dog Apps
With apps like Shadow, you can enlist volunteers within the community to search for your missing dog. As one of the four states that Shadow operates within, New Jersey residents can receive support creating Lost Dog flyers, contacting shelters, and even sending out Dog Amber Alerts.
Don't Give Up
It's devastating to discover that your dog has gone missing; however, it's important to rely on the resources available to you so that you can increase the odds of reuniting with your pet. Like thousands of other New Jersey residents, these services have helped to locate missing dogs, which is why being proactive and relying on the people who are willing to help can result in bringing your dog back home safe and sound.
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