1. Start where they were last seen

Check your home, yard and nearby hiding places, then ask neighbors to check their yards and garages. For a missing cat, look carefully in sheltered spots close to home. Ask anyone who sees your pet to note the place and time and contact you—not chase them. Stay out of traffic and never enter private property without permission.

2. Report the loss and check shelter listings

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control directs owners to Petco Love Lost and PawBoost. Use the county’s official page to reach those services and its lost-and-found resources. Check found-animal listings repeatedly; one search is not enough.

3. Check your microchip contact details

Make sure the chip registry has your current phone number. A microchip is an identification number, not a live location tracker. If someone finds your pet, a scan can help connect that number to your registration. Call a veterinary clinic or shelter to confirm scanning availability before going; no specific walk-in hours are promised here.

4. Share one clear missing-pet report

Use a recent photo, your pet’s name and description, the date last seen and an approximate neighborhood or cross-street area. Share it with local lost-pet groups and neighbors, respecting each group’s rules. Avoid publishing your home address. Ask for sightings rather than a chase.

You can create a missing-pet report in PawQuest after signing in. Public maps use approximate areas. Keep using county resources alongside your PawQuest report.

5. Keep your search and reports up to date

Keep checking new shelter and community listings. Update your report when there is a confirmed sighting and mark it resolved when your pet is home. Don’t send money, account codes or sensitive information to an unverified person claiming to have your pet.