Lost Pet? Here’s What to Do
Act Fast • Stay Calm • You’re Not Alone
Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C)
Serving Ballston • Clarendon • Rosslyn
Losing a pet is frightening, but acting quickly can significantly increase the chances of a safe reunion.
This guide outlines the steps we recommend for Arlington-area pet families when a pet goes missing.
Step 1 — Search Nearby Immediately
Start close to where your pet was last seen.
✔ Walk or drive slowly through the neighborhood
✔ Bring treats, squeaky toys, or familiar sounds
✔ Call your pet’s name calmly
✔ Ask neighbors, dog walkers, and delivery drivers if they’ve seen your pet
Check common hiding spots such as:
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under decks
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bushes and hedges
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garages and sheds
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stairwells or parking areas
Important:
Lost dogs often roam.
Lost cats usually hide nearby and stay quiet.
Step 2 — Contact Shelters & Animal Control
Contact shelters as soon as possible and provide:
• a clear photo of your pet
• your contact information
• your pet’s description
• microchip number (if available)
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA)
awla.org/lost-found-pets
(703) 931-9241
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
alexandriaanimals.org
(703) 746-4774
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter
(703) 830-1100
Shelters may receive animals before owners locate them online, so contacting them early is critical.
Step 3 — Post Online & Alert Your Community
Use free online tools to spread the word quickly.
Recommended platforms:
Post alerts in:
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Facebook lost pet groups (Arlington & DMV area)
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Nextdoor neighborhood network
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Craigslist “Lost & Found” section
Include clear photos and the last known location.
Step 4 — Update Microchip & Contact Veterinarians
If your pet has a microchip:
✔ Log into the microchip registry and mark the pet as lost
✔ Confirm your phone number and contact information are correct
Also notify nearby veterinary clinics—many scan found pets for microchips.
Step 5 — Create & Post Flyers
Physical flyers are still very effective.
Include:
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a recent clear photo
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pet name and description
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date and location last seen
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a large, easy-to-read phone number
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notes such as “shy,” “friendly,” or medical needs
Optional: offer a reward.
Post flyers at:
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veterinary clinics
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coffee shops
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dog parks
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apartment building lobbies
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walking trails and community boards
Step 6 — Contact Your Pet Care Provider
If you are a PS4C client, contact us immediately.
We can help by:
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notifying local shelters
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alerting nearby buildings and staff
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sharing alerts through local pet networks
Email
stevehongsm@ps4c.net
After Your Pet Is Found
Once your pet returns home:
✔ schedule a veterinary checkup
✔ check for injuries, dehydration, or parasites
✔ secure gates, doors, and windows
✔ update ID tags and microchip details
✔ consider using a GPS collar for added safety
Allow your pet time to rest and decompress.