What to Do If Your Dog Goes Missing
Accidents happen. Your dog might be well trained with several obedience titles under his belt but all it takes is one mishap – a family member forgetting to close the back gate or a dropped leash – and you may find yourself scrambling to find your pooch.
Unless your dog is wearing a real-time GPS tracker, tracking them might prove to be a challenge.
Having said that, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t do everything they can to find their pup?
Knowing What to Do If Your Dog Goes Missing
1. Act Quickly
Time is critical when it comes to finding your missing pet.
Every second that you wait is another second that your dog has to spend alone and afraid without their humans.
So take a deep breath and begin your search right away. If you can, bring some of your dog’s favorite treats or toys with you; they may help catch their attention if they’re nearby.
2. Scour Nearby Areas
70 percent of lost dogs are found within a one mile radius from their homes.
In other words, check your usual spots, such as your walking routes, parks, and neighbor’s yards, anywhere that might be familiar to your pet.
As you’re searching, make sure to call out your dog’s name. Ask anyone you come across – whether it’s a neighbor or passerby – if they’ve seen your pup.
With a bit of luck, someone might just be able to point you in the right direction.
3. Use Social Media
Using social media is one of the best ways to spread the word about your lost dog. For example, you can post to your local Facebook group or subreddit. You can also make use of neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.
In your post, make sure to include photos of your pet, as well as any identifying characteristics they may have. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to identify your dog.
Don’t forget to include your contact details as well.
We recommend listing at least two phone numbers, just in case one ends up not working. You can also include your email if you’re able to check it regularly.
Last but not least, turn your notifications on. The last thing you want is to miss out on a potential tip because you forgot to check your phone.
4. Contact Local Vets and Shelters
Call and ask your local vets – not just the one you bring your dog to, but to each and every one of them in your area – about your dog. You never know if someone found your pet and brought them in.
Even if they haven’t seen your dog, they’ll be able to keep an eye out, just in case they end up making an appearance at the vet office.
The same goes for animal shelters. Give them a call and let them know you have a lost dog. They deal with animals every day and will be able to notify you if a dog matching the description you’ve given them arrives at the shelter.
5. Make a Missing Dog Poster
Making a lost dog poster might seem old school but it can work surprisingly well.
Ideally, the words ‘Missing’ or ‘Missing Dog’ should appear at the top in bright, bold colors.You want the poster to be as eye-catching as possible so people will stop and look at it on the street.
Next, add a clear photo of your pet, their description and your contact information. Make sure everything is simple and easy to read.
While you can technically put the posters up anywhere, it’s best to put them in high-traffic areas such as bus stops, train stations, and busy intersections. Remember, the goal is to let as many people as you can know about your missing pet!
To weatherproof the posters, you can laminate them or use sheet protectors (the opening should be faced down so rain won’t get in).
6. Leave Familiar Smelling Items Outside
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and can smell things up to 12.4 miles away.
You can use this to your advantage by leaving some familiar-smelling items like their blanket or bed outside.your home. A piece of clothing with your scent can also do the trick (think something worn for days as opposed to fresh out of the washer).
Leaving some of their favorite food outside along with some water can also help.
As long as they’re not too far away, they might catch a whiff of the smell and make their way back.
