Go Out After Dark
Walk the area again late at night and early in the morning. Use a flashlight and watch for eyeshine under porches and in brush.
START HERE
Most lost pets are closer than you think.
A scared pet usually hides nearby and stays quiet, even when it hears you calling. The first day is when a search close to home has the best chance.
Work through these steps in order. Share this page with the family and friends who are helping, so everyone knows what to do.
THE FIRST HOUR
Search Close, and Search Quietly
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Check Home First
Closets, under beds, behind appliances, the garage, sheds, and under decks or porches. Cats especially squeeze into small spaces.
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Walk the Block
Go slowly and look under cars, bushes, and porches. Ask neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and window wells.
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Don't Chase
A frightened dog may run from anyone, even you. If you see your pet, sit or crouch down, talk softly, and let them come to you.
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Leave the Door Open
Have someone stay home. Leave a garage or door open with water and familiar bedding or a worn shirt nearby.
THE FIRST FEW HOURS
Get the Word Out
The more people looking, the better. Most of this takes a few minutes from your phone.
Post and call
- Post a clear, recent photo in local lost pet Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and your town's community page
- Include where and when your pet was last seen, and a phone number
- Call the Lorain County Dog Warden, nearby shelters, and local vet offices
- If your pet is microchipped, call the chip company to report them missing and check your contact details
Put up flyers
- Big, simple flyers: LOST DOG or LOST CAT, one photo, one phone number
- Post them at eye level for drivers at nearby intersections
- Hand them to mail carriers, delivery drivers, and neighbors walking dogs
- Don't list every detail; keep one identifying feature back to check callers
THE FIRST NIGHT
When It Gets Quiet, Search Again
Many lost pets move around after dark, once the neighborhood settles down.
Call Softly, Then Listen
Use your normal, calm voice and their name, then stop and listen. A frightened cat may answer quietly or not at all.
This Is When Thermal Works Best
A pet's body heat stands out most at night and in the cool early morning, when the ground has cooled down.
DOGS AND CATS ARE DIFFERENT
Where to Look
Cats
- Usually hide close to home, often within a few houses
- Stay silent and still, even when they hear their owner
- Look under decks, in sheds and garages, and in thick bushes
Dogs
- Can travel farther, especially in the first hours
- May follow roads, fence lines, tree lines, and creeks
- Often settle in fields, woods, and quiet spots once they tire
WHEN TO CALL A DRONE
Bring in the thermal drone early.
When should I call?
As soon as a search close to home comes up empty. The first night is often the best chance, since your pet is likely still nearby and the cool air makes body heat easier to see.
What can a drone see that I can't?
From above, thermal imaging can pick up a pet's body heat in tall grass, brush, tree lines, fields, and backyards you can't get into. It covers ground in minutes that would take hours on foot.
What should I have ready when I call?
A recent photo, where and when your pet was last seen, any sightings since, and your pet's temperament: friendly, shy, or likely to run.
Does it always work?
No search can promise a result. Thick cover, buildings, and weather all matter. We'll tell you honestly what the drone can and can't do in your area before we fly.
LOST PET • LORAIN COUNTY
Still searching? We can help tonight.
Call or text any time, day or night. We search Lorain County and nearby counties with aerial and thermal imaging.