Local businesses and other establishments may be helpful by putting them in a window or posting them for staff awareness. Check them all anyway since they may have other information or contacts to help you. Make sure you contact those in your area and slightly outside of the area in case someone picks up your animal and transports them to another location outside of your normal stomping grounds. Blackmailing or lack of incentive could be a problem.
Some people actually make a habit of preying upon lost animal owners.
Make sure you are not tricked into sending money to someone, even if they say your pet is hurt and requires veterinary medical attention. Don t send money until you have your pet in your custody. A list of questions concerning your pet, markings, habits or asking the person to detail what the animal is like will help you to find out if the animal is yours or not. You should actually GO INTO every agency that works with animal control and the sheltering of strays in your area. Many will only hold an animal for three to five days and then euthanize them.