Windsor Veterinary Emergency Clinics

 

Accidents and emergencies involving pets do happen, and often they seem to happen after normal business hours. Knowing where to take your dog or cat in an emergency can make a huge difference in the outcome. We recommend you know your closest clinic so that you are ready in case of an emergency.

Signs and symptoms that are a cause for concern:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Profound weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • Obvious signs of trauma
  • Protracted vomiting/diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Signs of pain or extreme restlessness and vocalization
  • Ingestion of a known toxin
  • Hindquarter paralysis
  • Abnormal urination

Our top choices for emergency vet clinics in the Windsor, Colorado area

Royal Vista Veterinary Specialists

  • 4630 Royal Vista Circle Suite #11, Windsor, CO 80528
  • (970) 825-5975
  • 24/7 emergency care

PETS Emergency Hospital

  • 3629 23rd Ave, Evans, CO 80620
  • (970) 230-7570
  • 24/7 emergency care

West Ridge Animal Hospital

  • 8235 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • (970) 330-7283
  • Extended emergency hours

Always be prepared for an emergency

Know your closest emergency veterinary clinic. If you are headed into a clinic always call in advance to let them know you are coming and make sure they are prepared.

Get regular checkups for your pets to make sure they are healthy. Pet-proof your home and get your pets regular exercise to make sure they do not get too bored.

Also, never leave them unattended for extended periods of time. Even the most relaxed pet can get into mischief if they are bored. Hire a pet sitter when you’re going out of town or on an extra-long day trip. We’d love to set you up with one of our awesome Wet Noses Pet Sitters to help ensure that your pet is safe. Just give us a call any time you need it!

Wellington Dog Parks

 

Dog parks can be a wonderful outing if your dog likes to play with other dogs and socialize with people. Good dog parks are hard to find but they allow dogs to get out their zoomies and enjoy the nice weather!

Wellington Community Park

8760 Buffalo Creek Parkway, Wellington, CO 80549

The Wellington Community Park has a variety of fun activities for adults, kids, and dogs! It is a 30-acre park located at Washington Avenue and Buffalo Creek Parkway.

Visit their website for more information

 

 

If you know of any other dog parks in Wellington, let us know!

5 Things To Do On The Weekend in Greeley

5 Things To Do On The Weekend in Greeley

In need of some fun activities to do in Greeley, Colorado this weekend? Greeley is a growing city that has a lot of unique weekend activities to offer. Here’s a list of 5 things to do this weekend, with all of them being family-friendly– and some being dog-friendly too!

1. Walking The Poudre River Trail

The Poudre River Trail is a scenic trail that runs between Greeley and Windsor. This beautiful trail is completely paved and follows a winding river known as the Cache la Poudre River. This trail offers a scenic journey through wetland meadows, cottonwood trees, and farmland. This trail is perfect for those looking for a walk or jog with their dog, without the noise of the city.

Visit the Poudre River Trails website for the trail map, trail etiquette, conditions, and more.

2.  Ice Skate at the Ice Haus

Ice skating is a fun and unique activity to do over the weekend, regardless of the season. The Greeley Ice Haus, located in Downtown Greeley, has a public ice rink for skating during the week and weekend. If you skate during the evening on a Friday or Saturday you can experience ‘cosmic skating,’ which is a lights-out rink except for a disco ball and lasers flashing on the ice.

For more information on public skating hours and events, visit the Greeley Ice Haus Calendar.

3. Watch a movie at the historic Kress Cinema and Lounge

Also located downtown is the Kress Cinema, which is a renovated theatre that was originally built in 1929! This theatre offers a unique historic ambiance along with a full-service bar and restaurant. You can enjoy your snacks, dinner, and drinks during the movie, or in their lounge area. All in all, the Kress is an elevated cinema experience and is a favorite weekend spot for Greeley locals.

Check out The Kress Cinema for more information and showtimes.

4. Go downtown to grab a bite to eat

Greeley has a variety of fun spots to grab a bite to eat or enjoy some drinks, especially in the downtown area. Luckily, a plethora of establishments, including restaurants and bars, have outdoor seating that is dog-friendly!

Dog-Friendly Establishments in Greeley

5. Check out the Centennial Village Museum

Greeley is rich in history. Visit the Centennial Village Museum and go back in time to learn about life on the prairie and the story of Western settlers who lived in the Colorado high plains. The Centennial Village Museum is special because it provides a ‘living experience’ taking you back to the past, including costumed actors, live farm animals, and acres of landscaped land. Depending on the time of year, there are different events and activities for the whole family. This museum is one you definitely will want to check out!

For more information, check out the Centennial Village Museum.

 

Greeley is a growing city with lots to see and do. Get out this weekend and take advantage of all the activities Greeley has to offer!

Greeley Dog Parks

Greeley Dog Parks

Have you been on the lookout for a place for your dog to play and socialize with other dogs in Greeley, Colorado? Although Greeley is a growing city with plenty of parks to choose from, many parks do not allow dogs and all prohibit them from being off-leash. Here are a few dog parks in Greeley that offer a fun and safe space for your dog to play! 

Rover Run Dog Park

5660 Sioux Dr, Boulder, Colorado

Rover Run Dog Park offers 3 acres of fenced land for dogs to run around off-leash. It’s the perfect park to give your dog a lot of space to play.

Freedom Park

2095 42nd St, Evans, Colorado

Freedom Park includes a fenced area for dogs to play. It includes agility equipment, a mix of grassy and gravel areas, water fountains, and a separate area for smaller dogs.

Waggin’ Tail Dog Park

Balsam Avenue, Greeley, Colorado

Waggin’ Tail Dog Park is a grassy, fenced park with separated areas depending on the size of your dog. There are benches and some shade at this dog park. However, it is recommended you bring water for your dog because there are no water fountains available at this park.

Please Note:

Although all of the dog parks listed allow off-leash play, you are still required to bring a leash for your dog to have on hand.

Which is your favorite? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting.

Veterinarians in Wellington Colorado

Veterinarians in Wellington, Colorado

Wellington may be a small town but we are fortunate to host three veterinary hospitals that rank four stars and higher in reviews!

When it comes to taking care of your pets, there’s nothing more important than ensuring their health and well being. As a pet owner, you have a responsibility to make sure your pets receive the best care possible, including regular visits to the vet. Veterinary care is necessary for all pets – from dogs and cats to birds and even small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs. Visiting a veterinarian regularly can help detect any health issues early on, so your pet can get the treatment they need.

While this list can get you started in your search for your pet’s doctor, it is wise to call or visit each one to determine if they are a good fit for you and your pet.  This little town continues to grow so this is by no means an exhaustive list of veterinarians in Wellington but it should get you on your way to finding the perfect fit for you.

Vets in Wellington Colorado

Wellington Veterinary Hospital (970) 568-7387

  • Is AAHA Accredited
  • Practice of the Year in 2012
  • 265 Reviews with a 4.7 star rating
  • Provides Urgent and Emergency Care

Address: 7837 6th St. Wellington, CO 80549


Northern Colorado Veterinary Center (970) 447-6282

  • Dogs, Cats
  • On-Site Veterinary Acupuncturist
  • Pharmacy
  • Senior Care

Address: 8305 Wellington Blvd. Unit 103 Wellington, CO 80549


Tabby Road Animal Hospital (970) 568-7050

  • Large and Small Animal Hospital
  • Full Service
  • Emergency
  • Carries a Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

Address: 7200 5th St. Wellington, CO 80549


What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Veterinarians are experts in the care and treatment of animals. They provide a variety of treatments to help your pets get well and stay healthy. Some of the treatments that a veterinarian in Wellington may provide include:

  • Vaccinations: Veterinarians help to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. This includes vaccinations for common diseases as well as vaccinations for more exotic diseases.
  • Spaying/Neutering: Many pet owners choose to have their pets spayed or neutered. This procedure not only helps to reduce the number of animals that are euthanized, but it also helps to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
  • Exam: A regular veterinary exam can help to identify any health problems or issues early. This can help to save your pet from further complications and/or surgery.
  • Treatment of Injuries: If your pet sustains an injury, a veterinarian may be able to provide treatment. This may include stitches, antibiotics, and/or pain relief.

Why Does My Pet Need a Veterinarian?

Pets are a major part of many families, and it is important to take care of their health. That’s why it is important to have a veterinarian in Wellington on hand to check on their health periodically. In fact, a veterinarian is essential for your pet’s health no matter what their size. Here are a few reasons why you need a veterinarian for your pet:

  • To check on their overall health and wellness.
  • To monitor any health problems that may be developing.
  • To treat any health problems that have already developed.
  • To provide preventive care, including vaccinations and other medical treatments.

How to Select a Veterinarian for Your Pet?

When it comes to selecting a veterinarian in Wellington for your pet, it is important to carefully consider all of your options. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a veterinarian. This includes the number of years they have been practicing veterinary medicine, as well as the types of animals they have treated. It is also important to look for a veterinarian who has a good reputation. This can be determined by looking at reviews online or contacting other patients to ask about their experience.

It is also important to consider the availability of the veterinarian. This can be determined by looking at their hours of operation and the locations they are located. It is also important to make sure the veterinarian is open during holidays and on weekends.

What should I do if I cannot find a veterinarian that will take my pet?

If you cannot find a veterinarian in Wellington that will take your pet, you may be able to find a veterinarian that will refer you to a veterinarian that will take your pet.

Conclusion

As pet owners, we all want the best of care for our beloved animals. The best way to ensure that your pet is living a long, healthy life is by visiting your veterinarian regularly. A well trained veterinarian can provide vital services such as preventive care, diagnostics and treatments for any medical needs or conditions your pet may have. But there’s much more to your veterinarian than just a doctor for your pet – they can be an invaluable partner in helping you make sure your furry family member stays fit and healthy.

Finding the right veterinarian for you and your pet need not be overwhelming or time consuming, I hope that the information we provided will help you in your quest to find the perfect fit!

Wellington Colorado Pet Sitters

Wellington Colorado Pet Sitters

Are you looking for a pet sitter in Wellington? With the tremendous growth that Wellington, Colorado has seen these past few years, the need for qualified and trained pet sitters in this northern Colorado town has grown tremendously.

Owning a pet is a great responsibility and part of that responsibility is choosing the right person to look after your pet when you’re away. In fact, the right pet sitter can make all the difference – not only to the happiness of your animal, but also in terms of their health and well-being. That’s why Wet Noses Pet Sitting has brought their expert pet sitting services to the Wellington Area!  Now you northern Colorado pet parents can confidently hire experienced, trained, and CPR certified pet sitters!  All of our Wet Noses pet sitters are bonded, insured and trained to provide you with outstanding and compassionate care for all of your pets.

Pet Sitters in Wellington

Wet Noses Pet Sitting – (970) 980-1325

  • Cats, Dogs, Birds (including Chickens), Pocket Pets (Hamsters, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.), and some Livestock
  • Bonded & Insured
  • CPR Certified Pet Sitters
  • (In Progress) Certified Fear Free Training

For certain times of the year, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, Wet Noses Pet Sitting’s schedule fills up fast. We never want your pet to go without care while you’re away. That’s why if we are unavailable we want you to be aware of other pet sitters in Wellington such as Hustin’ Hounds and Paws At Home.

Why should I hire a professional pet sitter?

There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional pet sitter instead of having a friend or family member take care of your pets while you’re away. Here are a few:

  • You can be confident that your pet will be safe and in good care.
  • You can be sure that your pet will be getting the best possible care.
  • You can get advice on pet care from a professional.
  • If something unexpected comes up, the company has a backup plan in place.

Hiring a professional pet sitter can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home. You can be sure that your pet is being cared for by a qualified professional, and you won’t have to worry about any surprise accidents or emergencies. Plus, a professional pet sitter will come to your home every day, no matter the weather conditions. This will ensure that your pet receives the same level of care every time.

Fun Facts About Wellington, Colorado

Here is a fun fact about this growing area.  A few years ago, while constructing a housing development at the north end of town, a woolly mammoth skeleton was uncovered!  Even though the tusks of the mammoth did not survive the move the skull did and it is now housed at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The development was completed, and the developer named one of the streets Mammoth Circle to commemorate the discovery!

Wellington is a terrific small town with a wonderful, paved trail system that connects the town and the different neighborhoods on either side of it.  You can even take a tunnel under I-25 to the east side where you’ll find two small ponds to relax by.  Along these smooth paths are wide lush grassy places, providing miles of fun for you and your dog.

There is also a pond, that is a fenced leash free area connected to Wellington Park on the north side of town, and it provides a fun way for dogs to cool off after their walk.

Conclusion

Take a few moments to look around the Wet Noses website and discover the endless opportunities to enrich your pets lives through visits, walks and play time with an experienced caring individual. Then go ahead and schedule your next vacation knowing that your furry family members will be cared for in your home and having the time of their lives while you enjoy yours!

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is thrilled to be available in your area and look forward to enhancing your pets’ lives!

5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

When it comes to getting fit this year, there’s no better workout partner than your dog. They’re always happy to go for a run or a walk, and they’re always eager to please. In fact, with the right motivation, your dog can help you get in great shape this year.

Here are five ways to get fit this year with your dog.

1. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to get fit & bond with your dog. In fact, walking and jogging are the most common forms of exercise for humans and their pets. Some dogs love going for multiple walks a day and will be happy to join you for every walk. Others are content with joining you for a short jaunt around the block.

Live in an area that doesn’t have a place to walk your dog? Fort Collins and the surrounding areas are filled with trails and parks that are dog friendly such as the Reservoir Ridge Trail or Arapaho Bend.

When you go for a walk with your dog keep the following in mind:

  • Your dogs age
  • You & your dogs physical fitness
  • Weather
  • Proper gear to walk your dog safely

Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise with your dog, and can be incorporated into almost any routine. In general, a daily walk of 30 minutes can help you burn between 300 and 600 calories. Pets burn approximately 70 calories per hour while walking, and can burn as much as 15 calories per minute while jogging. If you are just starting out, begin with a simple walk or jog around the block. As you get stronger, increase the distance and the pace.

Want to make sure your dog gets enough walks during the day? Wet Noses Pet Sitting offers dog walking services! While it won’t get you in shape it’ll help your pup keep their walk routine and their fitness in check!

2. Hiking with your Dog

If you live in Colorado then you’re no stranger to hiking. Hiking is a great activity for both you and your dog, and can be done in any season. Hiking can also be done at a slower pace, meaning you can take in new places, and enjoy the scenery with your pet. If you don’t have a hiking trail near your home, you can search for a park or trail near your home that your pet has never been to such as Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail or the Fort Collins Poudre River Trail. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your pooch, along with a leash to keep them from wandering off. You can even bring along some dog-friendly treats to entice your furry friend to enjoy the fresh air with you.

3. Agility Training

Have a dog that never seems to run out of energy? Agility training is a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically active, and can be enjoyed by dogs of all ages. Agility training focuses on your dog’s ability to quickly respond to commands, and play a new sport that combines obstacle courses, jumps, tunnels, and other obstacles. You can start with basic obedience training and work your way up to more challenging courses.

There are many agility classes that are available for dogs with owners such as the ones at Summit Dog Training and Sunset Agility.

4. Play with your Dog

Playing with your dog indoors or outdoors is another way to help get fit. Some activities, like tug-of-war can be done indoors or outdoors while activities like frisbee should only be done outside.

For dogs, a frisbee is a safe, fun alternative to ball playing, and can be played on land or water. For a short, 5-minute exercise, toss the frisbee and ask your dog to fetch it back, then play catch.

5. Go Swimming

If your dog is a fan of the water then swimming might be the perfect activity to get fit this year with your dog. You can even bring that frisbee from the previous tip!

At the end of the season, some pools will have doggy swim days. This is right before they drain the pool for winter. While this doesn’t help you get fit, your dog will still have fun. Unfortunately, as of 2023 the Fort Collins City Park Pool will no longer be holding their Pooch Plunge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for ways to get fit this year with your dog we hope the above tips help you and your dog stay active. What is your favorite way to get fit with your dog? Let us know in the comments.

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend_Header

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend

Fun with Your Dog in Boulder this Labor Day Weekend_Header

 

Wondering what dog-friendly activities are happening in or near Boulder, Colorado this Labor Day weekend? We’ve put together a small list of fun, dog-friendly happenings!

Go for a Hike

A favorite pastime of many Coloradoans is hiking. This Labor Day weekend is no exception. If you’re new to the area or haven’t been hiking in awhile, here is a list of some of the dog-friendly Boulder hiking trails.

As always, make sure to clean up after yourself and be cautious of summer algae blooms. These algae blooms can be toxic to both humans and pets.

Try a new Place

Boulder has lots of eateries that are dog-friendly. Make sure you keep your pup on a leash the entire time. Why not give these places a try?

This is only a fraction of the places that are pet-friendly! Don’t see your favorite spot? Leave a comment and we’ll get it added.

You can also check out the Twenty Ninth Street Mall. Dogs are allowed in all of the common areas and in some of the shops.

Visit a Dog Park

While this one is more fun for your dog than you, visiting a dog park can be a great afternoon activity. Most areas in the city require your dog to be on a leash but at the dog parks, your dog can run free as fast as they can.

Howard Heuston also has an off-leash dog area but it has different rules than a standard dog park. You can read more on the website here.

Scenic Drives

Are you info farmers markets? Does your pup enjoy the feeling of the wind in their fur? Then driving to farm stands might be right up your alley. You can view a full list of stands to plan your route here. It’s estimated that it’ll take you about 60 minutes, without stops, and 2 1/2 hours with stops. Make sure to bring cash!

There’s also plenty of picture perfect spots to drive through. Visit Boulder has compiled a wonderful list here.


There you have it. Some of the dog-friendly happenings this Labor Day weekend in Boulder! Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

Related Blogs

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Windsor_Header

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Windsor

 

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Windsor_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 Windsor, 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 Tilly
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Tilly going by
  • If Tilly is a dog, swing by her favorite places to walk or any place for playdates to see if she went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see her 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 Tilly is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Larimer Humane Society – call to speak to animal control over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. To submit a lost report you have to go into the shelter. The Windsor police state this is where they will take all lost dogs. “Windsor Police Department does not govern lost and found cats.”
    • (970) 226-3647
    • 3501 E 71st Street, Loveland, CO 80538
  • If Tilly has a microchip, contact the company to let them know she 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 her up and brings her in.

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 Tilly.

  • 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 Tilly, Tilly 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.
    • Lost & Found Pets of Windsor Colorado – another Facebook group. Less active but still a valuable place to get extra eyes.
    • 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. Windsor doesn’t have it’s own section on Craigslist so you’ll want to post on the closest one – which is Fort Collins.
    • PetFBI – You have to fill out their online form, which gives you a flyer you can use and their website has a ton of helpful tips. Once you fill out the form, they will post it in their Facebook group.
    • 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 – Same as 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 Tilly. 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 she is not hiding there.

Free stock photo of dog face

4. What is the Next Step?

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

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

5. The Next Day

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

  • File a lost pet report with Larimer Humane Society, 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 in Weld or Larimer County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the Coloradoan and small local papers. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Tilly. For instance, if she 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 Tilly 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 Tilly 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 Tilly went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding her.
  • If you hear of people spotting her, 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 she might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when she is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure she is there but cannot catch her.

 

Free stock photo of kitten animal

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 here, 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 Tilly, she 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!

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

 

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Longmont_Header

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Longmont

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Longmont_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 Longmont, 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 Chloe
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Chloe going by
  • If Chloe is a dog, swing by her favorite places to walk or any place for playdates to see if she went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see her 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 Chloe is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Longmont Humane Society – Give them a call, as well as the Longmont Police Department Dispatch (303) 651-8500 to provide a description of the pet along with the number you can be reached at.
    • (303) 772-1232
    • 9595 Nelson Rd, Longmont, CO 80501
  • Humane Society of Boulder Valley – If you pet has traveled north of Hwy 52 you pet may end up here.
    • (303) 442-4030
    • 2323 55th St, Boulder, CO 80301
  • If Chloe has a microchip, contact the company to let them know she 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 her up and brings her in.

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 Chloe.

  • 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 Chloe, Chloe 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.
    • Longmont Lost and Found Pets – another Facebook group. Less active but still a valuable place to get extra eyes.
    • 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 Boulder Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so. Longmont doesn’t have it’s own section on Craigslist so you’ll want to post on the closest one – which is Boulder.
    • PetFBI – You have to fill out their online form, which gives you a flyer you can use and their website has a ton of helpful tips. Once you fill out the form, they will post it in their Facebook group.
    • 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 – Same as 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 Chloe. 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 she is not hiding there.

Free photos of Cat

4. What is the Next Step?

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

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

5. The Next Day

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

  • File a lost pet report with Longmont Humane Society, 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 in Weld or Boulder County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the Coloradoan and small local papers. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Chloe. For instance, if she 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 Chloe 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 Chloe 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 Chloe went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding her.
  • If you hear of people spotting her, 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 she might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when she is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure she is there but cannot catch her.

Free photos of Dog

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 here, 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 Chloe, she 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!

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