We’ve added shareable graphics about lost pet and wild animal safety. You can easily download and post them on Neighbors to help keep your community informed about what to do with lost pets, bear encounters, and more.
Quick Link: Create a Post
Create Your Pet Profile Today!
Sample message:
Did you know Neighbors recently launched their Pet Profiles feature. Under settings, take the time to make a profile for each of your pets. In case your companion ever gets out, a Pet Profile will allow you to quickly post important photos and details so your community can help.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
What to Do if You Lost Your Pet
Sample message:
[Agency Name] wants to remind you of important steps to take if you lose your pet:
- Ask neighbors, letter carriers and delivery people if they have seen your pet.
- If your pet has a microchip, alert your microchip company so that your pet can be flagged as lost. Notify the police if you believe your pet was stolen.
- Flyers that offer a reward and/or indicate that your pet needs special medication often get extra attention.
- On social media posts, include your pet's sex, age, weight, breed, color and any special markings.
- Animals who have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners. Expand your search area and repost to social media and online forums.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: The Humane Society
What to Do if You Find a Lost Pet
Sample message:
- Always approach stray animals slowly and cautiously while speaking in a calm, gentle voice.
- Do not attempt to capture an animal that is behaving aggressively. If you cannot safely approach the animal or if it runs away, call animal control or the police department immediately.
- If the pet is wearing a tag, immediately contact the owner and return it.
- To scan a pet's microchip, take the pet to your local animal shelter or call the animal control or police department to transport it.
- Post online, tell your neighbors, and post fliers where the animal was found.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: The Humane Society
How to Help a Neglected Animal
Sample message:
- You can offer assistance such as walking the dog or even helping to place the animal in a more appropriate home. Sometimes people get animals without thinking about the long-term commitment they are taking on. When the reality of the situation becomes apparent, they may be relieved to have someone offer assistance.
- If you suspect the animal is suffering from abuse as well as neglect, alert law enforcement or your local humane society about the situation. It will be helpful to document what you have witnessed, including noting dates, locations, photographs, video, and other evidence of the abusive conditions.
- If the pet's life is in danger, contact law enforcement or call 911 immediately.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: The Animal Legal Defense Fund
What to Do if You Come Across a Coyote
Sample message:
While coyotes are unlikely to attack humans, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of residents and their pets.
- Do not leave food outdoors for your pet. That can be a welcome invitation for coyotes.
- Walk dogs on a short leash and always be aware of your surroundings.
- If letting a dog out in the yard, especially a small dog, always supervise the animal. Coyotes can easily climb a fence and snatch your pet in seconds.
- Switch up your routine. Coyotes are smart and can learn your schedule. If you always let Fido out or take him for a walk at a certain time, coyotes will learn that and be ready at that time.
- If you see a coyote, make loud noises, jump around and bang on garbage cans or whatever else is around. They should fear humans – it’ll keep residents and their pets safe.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: South Holland Police Department
What to Do if You Encounter a Bear
Sample message:
- Don’t scream or yell. Speak in a soft monotone voice and wave your arms to let the animal know you are human.
- Do not run.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Walk away slowly, if the bear is not approaching.
- If the bear charges, stand your ground (you cannot outrun it).
- If you have pepper spray, prepare to use it. If the grizzly charges to within 25 feet of where you’re standing, use the spray.
- If the animal makes contact, curl up into a ball on your side, or lie flat on your stomach.
- Try not to panic; remain as quiet as possible until the attack ends.
- Be sure the bear has left the area before getting up to seek help.
- Keep in mind that most human injuries from grizzly bears are caused by females acting aggressively to protect their young.
#SaferNeighborhoodsTogether
Source: PBS