"The most important thing you can do before your pet gets lost is to be sure that it has identification on it at all times," says Dr. Allan J. Paul, veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "This can be a collar with a tag, a tattoo a microchip or all three!" The identification information should include your name, address, phone number, and the phone number of a close friend for times when you are not at home. 

Your veterinarian or your local animal control agency can provide information about various forms of identification. 

Even pets that don't normally leave the house should wear identification. A house pet will have thousands of opportunities to slip through your legs and out the door during its lifetime. 

Concern about cats hanging themselves by their collars prohibits many cat owners from using collars. However, you can get a collar with an elastic insert that will expand enough for escape if the cat gets caught. The number of cats that die unclaimed in shelters without identification is many times larger than the number that die hanging from a collar. 

"Keep a current full body photograph and a detailed written description of your pet," says Dr. Paul. " Having these handy will save valuable time when your pet is missing." The description should include your pet's species (dog, cat, bird, etc.) color, breed, age, weight, height at the shoulder, length of tail, ear set and other distinctive characteristics. 

In the event that your pet does get lost, begin searching the house, looking in all the pet's favorite spots. Then look outside, under the porch, behind shrubs, in the shed, in the trees and on the roof. Notify your neighbors and ask for their help. Check backyards, garages, alleys, parks and schoolyards. Call your pet and listen carefully for a response. 

"If a thorough search of the house and neighborhood does not find your pet, then start making phone calls. Notify your local humane society, animal shelters, veterinarians, and the area animal control department. Provide details from your prepared description of your pet and your phone number," advises Dr. Paul. 

The next step is to place a classified ad in the daily newspapers and to prepare a "lost pet" poster. Include the detailed description, a photograph of the pet and your phone number whenever possible. Post the lost pet poster on telephone poles, at bus stops and in grocery stores, libraries, churches and in other public places. 

Check the classified section of the newspapers under found in case someone has your pet and is looking for you. Visit local animal shelters. Many animals fit similar descriptions and without looking yourself, you cannot be sure your pet is not there. Most shelters have a minimum holding time of r animals, so it is important to visit as least every two days. 

"Don't give up," says Dr. Paul. "When you find your pet, remove your 'lost pet' posters and notify the shelters and your friends."