Start with the last reliable sighting
Write down the exact place, time and circumstances of the last confirmed sighting. Ask everyone in the household the same questions before memories become mixed.
Check the home, garden, garages, vehicles, sheds and immediate hiding places before expanding the search area.
- Confirm whether gates, windows or doors were open.
- Check camera footage from your property and nearby neighbours.
- Keep one person at home or reachable in case the pet returns.
Create one clear live alert
Use one recent, recognisable photograph and keep the pet name, area, date, identifying features and contact route consistent everywhere. Update the live alert instead of creating conflicting versions.
- Report the pet on Missing Pets South Africa.
- Share the live alert to neighbourhood and community groups.
- Ask helpers to report the time, place and direction of every sighting.
Contact the local support network
Contact nearby veterinary practices, shelters, SPCAs, rescue organisations and municipal facilities. Search beyond one organisation because found animals may be taken to different facilities.
- Have the microchip number ready if the pet is chipped.
- Send the same clear photo and reference to each organisation.
- Repeat checks over several days; intake records can change.
