SICSA recovery tips for pets after Miami Valley storm, tornado damage

Destructive storms struck the Miami Valley that affected us all, including our pets.

During storms, pets can become scared and confused as their natural instincts drive them to seek shelter.

Once the storm passes, our pets may return to normal or be stressed enough to continue hiding or become lost.

>> Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for northern Miami Valley

Here are tips for what do to if you can’t find your pet

Indoor pets in the house:

• Call out to your pet in a reassuring manner
• Search their normal hiding spots
• Put out some tempting treats and extra water around the house
• When you find them, don't corner them or rush to pull them out
• Note that cats are very good at hiding and might be able to hide for a couple of days before coming out

Outdoor or lost pets:

• Call out to your pet in a reassuring manner
• Complete SICSA's online Lost & Found Report: www.sicsa.org/lost-and-found-pets/
• Post recent photos and detailed description to SICSA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sicsapets/
• Contact your County's Animal Control Service for best practices
• Leave an item with your pet's scent on it outside of your home
• Walk around your home and walk or ride a bike around your neighborhood to leave a scent trail that your dog or cat may be able to detect to follow home
• Tell people like your neighbors and the mailman and post flyers in your neighborhood that includes important information such as pet's name, picture, breed, gender, color, weight, distinguishing item (red collar, blue eyes), date lost, location/area lost, chip number if they have one, owner name and contact information
• Call your vet and other local vet offices to report the lost pet and/or post a flyer
• Record a lost pet message on your voicemail cell and home number
• Place a Lost/Found ad in your local newspaper's classified section
• Post a notice on Craigslist and Petfinder, as well as other Facebook pages

Found pets:

• If you find a lost cat or dog, there may not be shelter space immediately available and you may offer or help find a temporary home for the animal until the owner is located or space opens up on a shelter
• Check to see if the pet is wearing a license tag
• Call your County's Animal Shelter and tell them the pet's license number and they'll be able to help track down the owner
• If the pet's not wearing a license, they may be microchipped. County Animal Shelters, vet offices and SICSA all have tools to help read those chips and could help track down the owner
• Fill in a SICSA Lost and Found Pet Report

SICSA Help Center for pet owners in path of storms:

• Owners who live in areas affected by the storms and that are in need of help caring for their pets are encouraged to reach out to SICSA
• Along with adoption and humane education services, SICSA Help Center is set-up to provide information and potential services to owners
• Email HelpCenter@SICSA.org or call 937-294-6505, extension 23

Storm preparedness:

• Have your pets microchipped and dogs licensed
• Make sure all information is updated
• If you have an emergency preparedness bag for your family, be sure to include a few days' worth of food and water for your pets as well as any medicines that they're taking and will need