Missing pets: what to do if you find a lost pet

1. Go to the nearest vet or SPCA (in the suburb you found the animal). You need to have the animal scanned for a microchip. Do not take the animal out of the suburb you found it in as the owners will first look at the vets and SPCA in their area.

2. Make sure the pet is safe at a vet, SPCA or with you and then report the pet missing at every vet, shelter and SPCA in your greater area. Keep in mind that lost animals can travel quite far when they are lost, scared and confused. The area you pick them up in may not be their suburb.

3. Contact all the vets in your area. Give them your contact details and a detailed description of the animal found, including where the pet was found, sex, age, breed, colouring, and is the pet sterilised or microchipped?

4. Post a photo of the pet you found on as many local social media and community pages and groups as possible. Provide your contact details and the animal’s details (as above) and where you took the animal for safekeeping.

Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemor explained the society takes in hundreds of stray animals and only a small percentage are claimed.

“There are various reasons why pets go missing. They might run away due to thunderstorms or fireworks.

Unsterilized animals might also go to the streets to find a mate and some owners don’t secure their properties properly.

“When your pet does go missing you must share a photo of the pet and details on community groups and social media, put up posters and email a photo to the SPCAs. It’s also advisable to visit the SPCAs in person as the society’s description of the animal may differ from the owner.”

Moreover, Finnemore warned pet owners about scammers trying to make money out of people whose pets are missing, especially scamsters claiming to be animal physics.

Finnemore advised about securing your property, providing identification for your pet (like a micro-chip and even a collar with your details) and sterilising your pet.

Missing dog
Natanya Erasmus from Sunward Park is desperately looking for her dog, Nushka, a nine-year-old female Jack Russell.

She is petite and is mostly white with tanned brown spots on her two ears and a spot on her bum.

Nushka went missing on February 28 as she is afraid of thunderstorms.

Erasmus explained the family has done everything in their power to find Nushka.

“We went to vets, SPCAs in the vicinity, drove through velds and shared her photo on social media among other things. Furthermore, we got Health Hounds and Search Rescue K9 dogs to follow her scent.

“Her scent was lost on the corner of Tosca and Nicholson Street, which is an indication that somebody picked her up. Only good Samaritans pick dogs up and we believe the person will see her family is looking for her.

“Unfortunately, Nushka is not micro-chipped and she does not have a collar because it broke and we were planning on getting her a new one. We feel extremely bad that she is not micro-chipped, however, she never tried to go out before.

“Nushka’s skin and stomach are extremely sensitive and she can’t eat any type of food.

Erasmus highlighted they have a generous reward for anybody that can bring Nushka home.

“Video evidence is essential, especially after our encounter with a scammer.”

Erasmus encouraged community members to share Nushka’s story and thanked those who are already trying to assist. Erasmus may be contacted on 083 265 2357.

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