That sinking feeling of realizing your pet is missing can make it hard to think clearly. Holding onto your wits is crucial though, because acting quickly and knowing where to look can make a huge difference in the chances of bringing your beloved pet home.
How to Find a Lost Pet in Gilbert
Step 1: Search the Neighborhood
First, search your home, yard, and even your neighbors’ yards. Your pet might not have wandered far, and you’ll want to try and catch them when they’re still nearby.
Have your cat or dog’s favorite treats, a preferred toy, or even their crate to nearby search areas. Walk or drive around your neighborhood calling their name in the early morning or evening hours. Even if your pet doesn’t always respond to their name, they are likely to recognize your voice.
Heat is a driving factor when pets get lost in Arizona. Daytime temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous highs in the summer, so lost pets will most likely seek shelter.
To get out of the sun or away from danger, they might hide underneath decks, inside buildings, or under bushes. Don’t forget to check under porches and decks, in garages or sheds, under bushes or dumpsters, and in storm drains or washes. These are all easily accessible hiding places for lost or frightened pets.
Step 2: Alert the Local Authorities
After you’ve searched the neighborhood, the next step is to report your missing pet to the local authorities. In Gilbert, that’s the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. You also can post to the Gilbert Lost and Found Pets website.
Step 3: Alert Your Neighbors
Ask your nearest neighbors to be on the lookout for your missing pet. Your letter carrier can also be a great resource, since they cover your entire neighborhood on a daily basis. The more people you can get looking for your lost cat or dog, the more likely you’ll be to bring them home.
You can ask your neighborhood to keep an eye out for your pet by posting on social media sites like the Gilbert-area sub-Reddit and NextDoor. Include several recent photos of your pet, so they’re easier to identify. And be sure to include the time and location where you last saw your pet.
Step 4: Check the Animal Shelters
Visit Friends for Life Animal Shelter, ROAR Animal Rescue or the Maricopa County Animal Shelter every few days to check for your pet in person. You can also reach out to local vet clinics in case someone brings your pet in.
Looking for a Vet in Gilbert?
While no one wants to think about a pet going missing, taking active steps to make it easier for your cat or dog to be returned to you can help put your mind at ease.
Talk to your vet about microchipping—it really gives you the best chance at a happy reunion. If your pet already has a microchip ID, log in to the database to make sure your contact information is correct. You might also want to ask your vet to double-check that the chip is still readable.
No matter what your pet needs, if you’re looking for a vet in Gilbert, we’re here for you. Schedule an appointment at Anasazi Animal Clinic today.
Photo by Jackie Best on Unsplash used with permission under license for commercial use 08/09/2026.
