Without proper identification, you may never find your pet.

If your pet is lost, don't delay.

Take the following steps to help bring your pet home.

Act fast! Don't waste days hoping your pet will come home. The sooner you begin your search, the better the odds are for a safe return.

Search your neighborhood or area where your pet was lost, and let people know they are missing. You may want to offer a reward. A lost pet often will hide during the day, so be sure to go out again at night with a flashlight and continue your search. Sometimes a can of food can lure a hungry and scared pet to you.

Check with your local shelters every day. Don't just call -- visit the shelter to search for your pet. Many animals are difficult to describe over the phone, and only you really know what your pet looks like.

Call all animal control agencies in your town and surrounding areas.

Memphis Animal Shelter (901) 362- 5310

Bartlett Animal Shelter (901) 385-6484

Southaven Animal Shelter (662) 342-9448

Germantown Animal Shelter (901) 757-7358

Collierville Animal Shelter (901) 457-2670

Olive Branch Animal Shelter (662)895-4582

Make "lost pet" signs using your pet's photo. Put them up in your neighborhood and in post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices and grocery stores.

Inform your veterinarian, groomer, neighbors, and mailman that your pet is lost in case they receive a call or see them.

Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward.

Watch the found ads. Respond to any that might be close to your pet's description. A week of wandering the streets can make white pets look drab gray, and the ad's description might not exactly fit.