What To Do When Your Lost Pet Returns Home: Step-by-Step Care Guide

ByGavin Levenstein

We’re so glad your pet is home. Take a breath. Stress levels spike for both humans and animals after an ordeal like this, so the next steps are about safety, gentle care, and preventing a repeat.

If you’re skimming in a rush, use the checklists under each timeline.

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What you’ll need on hand

  • Fresh water and a clean bowl
  • A quiet, contained space (room or crate) and familiar bedding
  • Small portions of regular food or bland meals (see feeding notes below)
  • A leash/harness or carrier
  • Your vet’s phone number and nearest 24/7 emergency clinic
  • Tick/flea comb, torch, and a few gauze pads
  • Your pet’s microchip number (if you have it)

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If your own pet just returned

First hour: secure, hydrate, quick check

  • Secure first. Close gates and doors, leash dogs, and bring cats into a closed room. Calm voices only.
  • Offer water. Let them drink, but don’t force it. Refill with cool, fresh water. Avoid human sports drinks.
  • Quick physical scan:

– Check paws, ears, armpits, and tail base for thorns, burrs, ticks, cuts, or chewed areas. – Look for limping, heat stress (excessive panting, bright red gums), or pain when touched. – Do a gentle “skin tent” test for dehydration: lift the skin over the shoulder blades—if it’s slow to flatten, they may be dehydrated.

  • Small bite, not a feast. If they’ve been missing, start with a tablespoon or two of normal food (or bland chicken-and-rice for dogs) every 30–60 minutes. Overfeeding can trigger vomiting/diarrhoea.

Signs of dehydration to watch for

  • Tacky/dry gums
  • Sunken eyes
  • Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
  • Vomiting/diarrhoea
  • Skin tent stays “peaked”

Rehydration tips

  • Offer frequent small sips of water.
  • For dogs, a splash of low-salt chicken broth can encourage drinking.
  • Use vet-approved electrolyte solutions only if your vet has advised it.
  • Go to the vet urgently if your pet won’t drink, is vomiting everything, or shows severe dehydration signs.

First 24–72 hours: health and behaviour

  • Vet check: Book a check-up within 24–48 hours, sooner if your pet was missing more than a day, looks unwell, was in extreme heat/cold, or has wounds.

– Ask about parasite control (ticks/fleas/worms) and any needed vaccines/boosters. – Cats not eating for 24–48 hours are at risk of hepatic lipidosis—contact your vet if appetite is poor.

  • Parasites and wounds:

– Comb for fleas/ticks twice daily for the first 2–3 days. – Clean small scrapes with saline; cover or use a recovery suit if they lick. – Watch for swelling, discharge, foul odour, or sudden pain—see a vet.

  • Feeding routine:

– Dogs: small frequent meals for the first day (plain chicken and rice works), then transition to their normal diet. – Cats: offer their usual food in small frequent portions; avoid sudden diet changes if possible. – No rich treats yet; go slow to prevent tummy upsets.

  • Post-lost-pet decompression routine (the “calm bubble”):

– Quiet room, predictable schedule, gentle enrichment (lick mats, sniff walks). – No punishment for accidents or clinginess; stress often shows as hiding, startle responses, pacing, or vocalising. – Consider pheromone supports (Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats). – Use the adapted 3-3-3 rule: – First 3 days: let them rest and feel safe. – First 3 weeks: rebuild routines and confidence. – First 3 months: expect gradual progress; keep training calm and consistent.

First week: stabilise and prevent

  • Full vet exam if not yet done, especially if missing >24–48 hours or if you notice coughing, weight loss, lameness, diarrhoea, or behaviour changes.
  • Update microchip and tags:

– Check your registry (e.g., Identipet) and confirm your phone and address. – Add an engraved ID tag with your current mobile number.

  • Parasite prevention: start or reset flea/tick/worming schedules as per your vet’s advice.
  • Reintroduce exercise slowly. For dogs, build up walks; for cats, keep indoors for at least 2 weeks after return, then reintroduce outdoor time gradually and supervised.

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If you found someone else’s pet (South Africa)

Do this first

  • Safety and comfort: contain with a leash/carrier, offer water, and keep them away from your own pets until a vet check.
  • Check for ID: call the number on any tag; try numbers on the collar or harness too.

Where to scan a microchip (SA)

  • Any SPCA/NSPCA branch will scan and help contact the owner.
  • Most vets and many vets can scan a chip—often at no charge.

Reporting and next steps

  • Report the found pet to your local SPCA/NSPCA and nearby vets. Share a clear photo and where/when you found them.
  • Post in local community groups responsibly (hide part of a unique marking so true owners can verify).
  • Follow SPCA guidance and local bylaws before rehoming. Holding periods and procedures can differ.

Medical care

  • If the pet is injured, dehydrated, or unwell, take them to a vet immediately. Keep receipts; owners often reimburse medical costs.

Ethical note: returning a pet quickly reduces trauma for everyone. The microchip route is the fastest, safest path to reunification.

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Prevent it happening again

Home escape-proofing checklist

  • Fix gaps under or between fence panels; secure gates with double latches.
  • Check windows, balcony gaps, and cat-flap settings; add window screens for cats.
  • Use a snug, escape-proof harness; avoid loose collars (cats need breakaway collars for safety).
  • Supervise outdoor time for a few weeks; train reliable recall with high-value rewards.
  • Manage triggers: fireworks, storms, load shedding noise—create a safe room and soothing sound.

GPS tracker vs AirTag for pets (SA)

  • AirTag (Bluetooth-based):

– Works via nearby iPhones; good for close-range finding in dense areas. – Not true live tracking, iOS-dependent, and limited range.

  • Dedicated GPS pet trackers (like TailMe Infinity GPS and TailMe Pro Range):

– Live location updates across SA with geofencing alerts. – Multi-network coverage, robust attachment options, and pet-safe design. – Ideal for pets that roam, gate-dash, or holiday with you.

Soft nudge from us: choose a GPS tracker if you want real-time, anywhere tracking and automated “left home” alerts. The TailMe Infinity GPS Pet Tracker and TailMe Pro Range are built for South African conditions and coverage.

Update tags and microchip registry

  • Verify your pet’s microchip is registered to you and the details are current (phone, alternate contact).
  • Not sure which registry? Ask your vet or SPCA to scan the chip; they can guide you to the correct database (e.g., Identipet).
  • Add an engraved tag and consider a “I’m microchipped—please scan me” tag.

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FAQs

Q: My cat came home after 3 days—should I keep it indoors? For how long? A: Yes. Keep your cat indoors for at least 2 weeks to reset their “home scent” and routine. Provide multiple litter trays, food/water stations, and vertical spaces. Reintroduce outdoor access slowly and supervised.

Q: Found my dog—what do I do now? A: Secure first, offer water, check for injuries and ticks, feed small amounts, and let them decompress quietly. Book a vet check within 24–48 hours, especially if they were missing more than a day or look unwell.

Q: When should I take my pet to the vet after being missing? A: If they were gone >24–48 hours, show dehydration signs, have wounds, are lethargic, or their behaviour is off, go as soon as possible. Always go urgently for vomiting, collapse, laboured breathing, pale gums, or continuous bleeding.

Q: Where can I scan a pet microchip in South Africa? A: SPCA/NSPCA branches, most vets, and many vetshops/pet retailers will scan a chip.

Q: AirTag vs GPS tracker—what’s safer for pets? A: For live, reliable tracking across SA, a purpose-built GPS pet tracker is the safer choice. AirTags rely on nearby iPhones and aren’t designed for continuous pet tracking.

Q: How do I update my pet’s microchip details in SA? A: Ask your vet or SPCA to confirm the chip number and registry, then update your phone/address. Do this any time you move or change numbers.

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Gentle product notes from TailMe

  • Trackers & Health: TailMe Infinity GPS Pet Tracker and TailMe Pro Range help prevent repeat disappearances with live tracking and geofence alerts.
  • Medical Recovery: If your pet has wounds or tends to lick, consider a Suitical recovery suit for protection and comfort.

This guide is general information and not a substitute for veterinary care. If you’re worried—even a little—call your vet. Your calm, consistent care now will help your pet settle back in safely and happily.

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