What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Greeley_Header

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Greeley

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Greeley_Header

Loosing a pet can be extremely scary, especially if you do not know where to start looking. There is a lot of information out there on how to find a missing pet, but I wanted to write something specific to Greeley, so you can just go down the checklist and get it done.

1. The Basics

For the first few minutes after a pet goes missing, you want to start with the basics.

  • Do a patrol of the area to see if you find any evidence of Odin
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Odin going by
  • If Odin is a dog, swing by his favorite places to walk or any place for playdates to see if he went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see him running free

2. Who to Contact First

You have done the basic search and turned up nothing. This is typically 15-30 minutes after you have realized Odin is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Humane Society of Weld County – Call and give them a heads up that you lost your pet.
    • (970) 506-9550
    • 1620 42nd St, Evans, CO 80620
  • If Odin has a microchip, contact the company to let them know he is missing and how to reach you, just in case your information is not up to date.
  • Contact any veterinarians, groomers, and pet supply stores in your immediate area (around a mile from where she went missing), in case someone picks him up and brings him in.

Below is a list of shelters the Humane Society of Weld County recommends contacting as well. Your pet may have been dropped off at one of the surrounding shelters.

3. Social Media Time!

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding a pet. Your friends and complete strangers are going to be happy to help you search the interwebs for any news of Buddy.

  • Post on all of your personal social media networks. Include a recent picture, where and when she went missing and any directions you want people to follow, such as how to contact you, not to chase Odin, Odin is afraid of men, etc. Specifically ask people to share the post. If you know any people in the animal world, such as your normal dog walker or groomer, ask them to share since they have such a large reach.
  • Post on these pages. There are many pages specifically dedicated to helping reunite missing pets with their people. Post on as many as you can, but start with Facebook. That is where we have had the most luck in recent years.
    • Lost and Found Pets of Northern Colorado – a Facebook group that is very active and easy to post in.
    • Nextdoor – This is a newish system for people to coordinate with their neighborhoods on various subjects. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Fort Collins Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so. Greeley doesn’t have its own dedicated section. Posting in the closest one is your best bet.
    • PetFBI – Fill out their form to add your report to their database.
    • PawBoost – You can pay for upgraded service, but they list your pet for free on Facebook and in their database.
    • LostMyDoggie – They post on Facebook but they also alert local shelters and rescues.
    • LostMyKitty – Similar to LostMyDoggie but for cats!
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything helps!
    • Northern Colorado Pet Lovers – A group ran by Wet Noses Pet Sitting. It’s a small group but another set of eyes always helps!
  • Head out and continue looking for Odin. Make sure you are able to answer the phone if someone calls! Ask your neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and yards to make sure he is not hiding there.

Close-up portrait of a black and white domestic cat sitting in the arms of an adult woman, indoors.

4. What is the Next Step?

If you are approaching evening, there are a few steps you can take, especially if Odin is shy and still might be in the area.

  1. Double-check with any neighbors coming home to make sure they did not see him earlier in the day.
  2. Consider leaving your door open so Odin can come in at night if he was lost from your home.
  3. If Odin is a cat, place his litter box outside where he can smell it.

5. The Next Day

You have done all of the fast, easy options and Odin has not been found. Now is time to dig in and spread the word that Odin is missing.

  • File a lost pet report if you have not already done so. Animals can travel surprisingly long ways and folks sometimes pick them up and take them to their local shelter, which may not be Weld County.
  • Check the Humane Society of Weld County’s Lost Pets page. Your pet may end up on here. Animals are held for 5 days.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the paper. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Odin. For instance, if he is a Golden Retriever, contact the local Golden rescue. There are too many for me to list here, and they change regularly, so search online for one. You can also contact All Breed Rescue Network at (888) 440-6467. They keep a running list of breed rescues in the Colorado area. Sometimes breed rescues will be able to offer more suggestions or help specific to your breed.
  • Print off flyers from one of the sources you used yesterday. Post flyers in veterinary hospitals, groomers, trainers, pet supply stores, the dog park, and anywhere animal-related. Many local businesses also have community boards. Start with businesses near you and increase the distance the longer Odin is missing. Posting flyers on mailboxes and phone poles is illegal, although many people do it.
  • Continue to update posts online. People will be wondering if you found Odin and you want to keep them searching. Ask for help again and for people to keep sharing your posts.
  • Talk to people in the neighborhood where Odin went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding him.
  • If you hear of people spotting him, go to that area and search. Shy animals can be very hard to catch, especially during active times of the day when there are a lot of people around. If you believe he might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when he is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure he is there but cannot catch him.

White small dog in playfulness. Portrait

6. DO NOT Give Up Hope

The longer you search the more discouraged you become. Keep looking! Here are a few searches I have helped with over the years for people I know:

  • A small, very shy dog went missing. We tracked her to a neighborhood where kids had spotted her (we paid them to keep an eye out for her). After a few days, we were not able to find her until a kid came forward. A woman in the neighborhood had picked her up and had given her to a family member in Colorado Springs. Once confronted we were able to get her back.
  • A dog ran out of his front door. The neighbors a few houses down saw him, but not not the people at the end of the block. He vanished! They continued searching and found him late that night being walked by a nice couple who lived down the street. They had been leaving earlier when they saw him run by, so they put him in the garage and then left for a few hours. They had just returned home.
  • A woman’s dog had been missing for months. She sent out flyers to shelters across the country and he showed up in Fort Collins. Turned out a trucker had picked her up and driven her across 3 states before dropping her off at the local shelter!

We regularly hear stories of animals being reunited years after going missing due to their microchips. Keep that information up-to-date and continue your search!

7. Once you Find Your Pet

Congratulations! I am so excited for you and you must feel so relieved!

  • Take the moment and enjoy it. Do not scold Odin, he is just happy to see you!
  • Plan a trip to the vet if your pet was gone for a while or appears to be injured.
  • Go back and take down those flyers, lost pet reports and postings online so that everyone knows you found your fur kid.
  • Return the favor and share information about missing pets for other people!

Weld County Lost Pet Infographic

 

If you have a resource that is not listed, Please Let Us Know so we can get it added!

5 Things To Do In Greeley This Fourth of July

5 Things To Do In Greeley This Fourth of July

5 Things To Do In Greeley This Fourth of July

 

Fourth of July is coming up. It’s best to get your pet sitter booked early. Here are some activities happening in and around Greeley, Colorado this Fourth of July.

Greeley Stampede

Celebrating 100 years, the Greeley Stampede is one of the most popular events in Greeley, Colorado. This year will be the biggest yet! With more than 120 businesses and organizations from the Rocky Mountain region participating.

More details:

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 9:00AM
  • Where: Starts at 19th Street and ends downtown at Lincoln Park near 5th Street.
  • Activities: Flyover, Floats, Marching Bands, Equestrian Entries

Greeley Stampede Demolition Derby

Want more adrenaline than marching bands and floats? The Demolition Derby is happening this July 4th!

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 4:00PM
  • Where: Greeley Stampede
  • Activities: Demolition Derby!!

You can buy tickets at greeleystampede.org or by calling the ticket office at 970-356-7787. Tickets start at $20.

Greeley Stampede Fireworks

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 9:30PM
  • Where: Island Grove Regional Park

And for the adults…

Independence Day Fireworks @ Wiley Roots Brewing Co.

Want to get one of the best seats in the house? Reserve your table at Wiley Roots Brewing Co. for up to 8 people – beer is included!

  • When: Monday, July 4, 2022 @ 8:00PM (Seating Begins)
  • Where: Wiley Roots Brewing Co.
  • Activities: Fireworks, Beer Included

Tiered Tray Workshop with Sally Otto

While not on Fourth of July this fun workshop can put you in the Independence Day spirit.

  • When: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 @ 5:30PM – 7:30PM
  • Where: Lincoln Park Emporium Creative’s Studio
  • Activities: Theme’d tiered tray table, drinks and snacks are included!

Admission to this event is $30.


There you have it. 5 Things to do in Greeley This Fourth of July! Actually that’s more than five 🤔😃 We hope you have a safe and fun July 4th!

Related Blogs

Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley

 

Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Greeley? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Greeley Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that, we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

 

Greeley Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dog who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores Around Windsor

Greeley has some wonderful places to shop for all of the supplies you need for your pets. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Greeley Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Greeley has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Greeley Veterinarians

With Greeley being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you is an important step in your pet care.

Here is a list of veterinarians in Greeley:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Greeley Emergency Veterinarians

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics:

 

Greeley Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay, or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

Here are dog trainers in the Greeley area:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Greeley Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Greeley to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Greeley and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Greeley Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers in Greeley:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Greeley

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Greeley:

To learn more about costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Greeley Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of nearby catteries:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Greeley

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Greeley:

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Greeley Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

Here are a couple of the doggy daycares in Greeley:

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Greeley Poop Scooper

If you love your dog but do not love cleaning up after him then you may need a poop-scooping company!

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Greeley

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Greeley we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Greeley:

 

Greeley Dog Parks

In Greeley, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Greeley, we have a beautiful dog park:

  • Freedom Park – It has separate areas for different dogs and is beautifully built.

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!