My pet is missing — what steps do I take and how does PetLink help | My pet is lost — how do I report it to PetLink?

My pet is missing — what do I do? | My pet is lost — how do I report it to PetLink?

First: log in to your PetLink account at https://www.petlink.net/account/member-login/ and file a Lost Pet Report immediately. Then verify your phone number, email, and address are current, and add a second contact in case you are unreachable.

Step 1 — Report

File a Lost Pet Report from your PetLink account.
Share the report directly to social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) from within your account.
Use PetLink's built-in poster templates to create lost pet flyers.
Have a clear, recent photo of your pet ready.

Poster tips: - Be specific about where your pet was last seen. - Note any medical conditions relevant to someone who finds them. - Do not mention a reward amount — this can attract dishonest finders. - Avoid terms like "show dog," "breeding dog," or "stud" that signal monetary value.

Step 2 — Search

Canvas a two-mile radius of your home or last known location as soon as possible.
Search at dawn and dusk — lost pets are more active and visible at those times.
Bring your pet's favorite treats, a familiar toy, or a blanket with their scent.
Leave a worn piece of your clothing near home — your scent can guide them back. For cats, leave their litter box outside.

Distribute posters to: - Local vet clinics and animal hospitals - Animal shelters, rescues, and animal control facilities - Community centers, parks, and dog-frequented areas - Local businesses: grocery stores, coffee shops, laundromats - Neighborhood regulars: delivery drivers, mail carriers, police officers, crossing guards, regular walkers — these people see everything

Step 3 — Contact shelters and authorities

Call local shelters, humane societies, and animal control directly — don't rely on their websites alone.
Visit shelters in person if possible; photos online may not capture your pet accurately.
Check with local vet offices in case a Good Samaritan brought your pet in.
File a police report if theft is suspected.
Join social media groups within two miles of where your pet was last seen — neighborhood, church, and school groups.

How PetLink works behind the scenes

When your pet is found and scanned, here is what happens:

The scanner reads the microchip and displays the unique chip number.
The finder looks up the number at petmicrochiplookup.org, which traces it to PetLink's database.
PetLink files a Found Pet Report.
You are contacted by email, text, and phone.
PetLink coordinates the reunion with you and the finder.

Your microchip is permanent and cannot fall off or be tampered with — it is working for you even when you cannot see it.

If you have questions at any point, ask here and I'll help you through it. If you would prefer to speak with someone directly, you can reach PetLink at 1-877-PETLINK (738-5465).