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22 | Gazette Life | February 2026Cats and dogs are both domesticated species, adapted to living alongside humans for centuries. But as anyone who owns one knows, they%u2019re not always that domesticated, and even the tamest animal can sometimes feel the call of the wild.The first thing to do is make sure your pet can be easily identified, so that if it is lost the owner can be contacted. The most important task is to get your animal chipped and registered, which is compulsory for all domestic cats and dogs (and ferrets) under Spain%u2019s Animal Welfare Law. Your vet will do this for you, and can check that the chip is working on subsequent visits. If you move or change details, you can change them at the vet with your ID and pet%u2019s ID documents, with no need to bring the pet. The next important move is a collar with an ID tag. This should have the pet%u2019s name and contact details for the owner %u2013 usually a telephone number. Another useful preparation is to train their pets to recognise a sound, such as a GAZETTE | PETS&Pets occasionally go missing on Lanzarote %u2013 here%u2019s what to do if your furry friend does a runner. rattle or whistle, that means they will receive a treat. Don%u2019t overuse it and make sure the pet always associates the noise with affection, food and a fond welcome. When a pet goes missing, this technique can be hugely valuable. If your pet goes missing, don%u2019t panic immediately. Many animals will find their way back, especially when they realise its feeding time. You should, however, carry out a search near your home. Animals that aren%u2019t used to be being in the open will often be frightened and take refuge in a hiding place, so it%u2019s a good idea to check all kinds of nooks and crannies, and be especially aware that cats can sometimes hide under or in the bodywork of parked cars. Call the animal%u2019s name, make the noise it associates with food and treats and use a torch after dark. If this doesn%u2019t work, ask neighbours to keep an eye (and an ear) out for your pet.If the cat doesn%u2019t turn up, it may be time to post on social media. The Facebook site Mascotas Perdidas En Lanzarote (Lost Pets on Lanzarote) is the most popular site for notifying lost animals, and it is also worth posting on local community sites for your town or area.Lost pets can be reported at the local police station or Guardia Civil post. Take the details from the microchip in order to do this. If your pet is unchipped, it may also be worth contacting animal shelters. Loss of a pet is always a worrying time, but be assured that only a few animals head for the wild %u2013 most want to return home as soon as possible. Rumours about organised theft of cats and dogs on Lanzarote are almost always urban myths. Lost FoundPet Relocation ServiceThis is a monthly service to / from the UK and Mainland EU.We supply large appropriately sized crates within the vehicle and there is no barrier between driver & pets, so constant %u00b4interaction%u00b4 is frequent whilst on the road! The vehicle is climate controlled.A stress-free, fully licensed (Both UK and EU), door to door overland pet transport service for dogs & cats.Book early to avoid disappointment!+34 928 344 580(Mon %u2013 Fri 09:30 %u2013 15:00)annette@woodsidecargosl.com www.woodsidecargosl.comContact Annette for details: THE ONLY RESIDENT VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST IN LANZAROTE - SERGIO FAJARDO - BASED IN LA VILLA DE TEGUISE IN TEGUISE.MEMBER OF THE SPANISH ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY (SEOVET)SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT AND TREATMENTS FOR YOUR PET%u00b4S EYE PROBLEMS INCLUDING SOFT TISSUE SURGERIES & MUCH MORE. veterinario_la_Villa Villalobos Consulta Veterinaria. 656310643 CONTACT US TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENTSinfo@villalobos.vet www.villalobos.vetMON TOTHURS - 9:30AM TILL 14:30.MON & WEDS 17:00 TILL 19:30.FRI - 9:30AM TILL 5PM SAT & SUN CLOSED.