Designing an Effective Lost Pet Flyer
When your pet has become lost, responding quickly and efficiently is extremely important. One of the most important tools in finding your pet is creating a well designed flyer. Here are some key points.
At the top of the page:
In big, bold, capital letters put "Lost Dog" or "Lost Cat" or what ever animal your pet is. Use the whole line from right to left.
Use a good, clear, color photo of your pet:
The best photo to pick of your pet to use on the flyer should be one that shows any unique markings such as the color of the feet, chest, tail, face, length of coat and proper size. Make sure that the background of the photo is contrasting to your pet's color. For example, if you have a dark colored pet, the background should be light and uncluttered to show the outline of your pet. Pick a photo where your pet is standing up, rather than lying down since the standing position shows the full body more accurately. If you need to put two photos to show your pet fully, you can put them side by side, horizontally on the sheet. I don't recommend putting more than two photos since that tends to clutter the sheet. Finally, the photos should be the largest single item on the page. When people see the photos, they think "Is that the pet I may have seen or may see." Make sure that no other animals or people are in the photo. It is too confusing to figure out which pet is lost, and, plus, those photos tend to hide the pet behind other things and it can be hard to tell where one pet begins or ends.
Basic description:
Under the photo I would put a basic description of your pet. For example, put the coat color and length, their weight, breed type and anything else to help somebody identify your pet.
Location and Date Lost:
I recommend putting the location your pet was last seen and any confirmed sightings. Also put the date your pet was lost.
Phone number:
Put a phone number that you can answer 24 hours a day. Cell phones work best if you move around a lot. If you want to put a home number, make sure it can be forwarded to a cell phone for when you are not home. Also, make sure the number has voicemail with a clear message stating your pet is lost and to leave any information about your pet and a return name and number for you to call back on. Make sure you put a note on the flyer that people can call 24 hours a day with any information at all. Many people won't call after 9 PM or before 8 AM fearing they may bother you or wake you up. You want people to call anytime with any information, including possible sightings.
Reward:
I recommend to people to put the word "Reward" at the bottom of each flyer. I don't recommend putting a specific amount unless you are offering a very large amount, which would be over $1,000. If you don't put a specific amount, you have the flexibility to move the amount up and down depending on your needs. If you decide to change the amount, you won't have to print up new flyers and replace the old ones. Another option is to put "Large Reward" or "Very Large Reward" and then you still have flexibility to change it as needed.
Computer or handwritten:
I would always advise to use a computer and a basic word processor to create your lost pet flyer rather than handwriting your flyer and using prints. First it is easier, faster and more economical to print from a computer than to use a photocopier. Second a computer generated flyer appears more professional and authentic to people who are reading it. Third, type from a word processor is easier to read than handwritten letters, which can be inconsistent in shape and style. Fourth, with a computer you will be using digital photos rather than a print of your missing pet. When a physical print is used, the image will appear muddy and unclear on the eventual flyer, which occurs when a print is photocopied over and over.
Use a full size sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper:
You want the flyer to be as large as possible, yet still easy to create and economical since you may be printing up hundreds of copies. Make sure the format is "portrait" and not "landscape." This means design the flyer to be tall instead of wide.
Use only white paper:
Do not use any colored paper since this will distort your pet's photo and make your pet appear the color of the paper.
Click on this link and then click on the downloadable template to see a sample flyer with the above information.
The flyer should be simple, clear and uncluttered. I would not recommend putting any personal information like your full name, home address or work location or a child's name. Unfortunately, there are a lot of strange people who may target you for scams or prank calls.
Your comments and questions are welcome.
For more information about finding your let pet, see my Lost Pet webpage
For a free consultation over the phone to have me help you find your lost pet, feel free to call me at 510/415-6185.
