Tips to Help Find a Lost Dog
If you’ve ever had a dog get loose and stray from home, you understand the instant panic and dread that follows. But during such a stressful time, it’s crucial that you stay sharp and focused and take the immediate actions necessary that will help bring Fido home.
Call Local Shelters and Authorities
If your canine goes missing, you want to start contacting local authorities as soon as possible. This means your shelters, animal control, veterinary offices, and any other departments they might recommend you also reach out to. When reaching out to your local shelters and animal control agencies, you’ll want to file a lost pet report. It’s recommended that you do this with every shelter within at least a 60-mile radius.
Most shelters are reliable, but if you can frequently visit your local shelters to see for yourself – you never know if some paperwork could get mixed up and cause someone to not detect your pooch as the one that’s been flagged as missing.
You’ll also want to be contacting veterinary clinics and emergency vet clinics because sometimes, when strays are picked up, they may be taken to a clinic. Or if Fido got hurt, some good samaritan may have brought them to the nearest emergency vet.
Go on Lost Dog Sites and Apps
The internet can be a great tool when looking for your lost dog. Some sites are made especially for when dogs go missing like, Center for Lost Pets, Fido Finder, and Lost My Doggie. There are also apps out there like Shadow and Finding Rover. Some of these resources are extra helpful in that they’ll help you make fliers to put out or use facial-recognition software to help search the internet for photos of your pooch that someone else may have posted because they found them.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Social media has its downfalls, but it also provides some significant advantages – especially if you’re searching for a lost dog. Post photos and info of your pup on your social media pages. Look for pages that are specifically dedicated to helping reunite lost animals in your area. There’s a vast network at your fingertips, so don’t forget to take advantage of it.
Canvas the Neighborhood & Make Posters
This one may sound obvious, but it’s still important to mention – walk your neighborhood, drive the streets, and alleys daily. Ask your neighbors, mail carrier, even your delivery person if they’ve seen your pooch – and be sure to give them a flier. When making lost dog flyers and posters, be sure to keep it simple yet informative. In large bold font, title the paper “LOST DOG” so it can be seen at a distance. Include a clear photo, if possible, as well as a basic description. Besides handing these out, post them at intersections, grocery stores, community centers, vet offices, and other highly trafficked locations.
Contact Your Local Media
There are some local radio and television stations that offer a “lost-pet” alert on their websites or apps, if not live on the air. You might even want to consider posting an ad in your local paper. A scared animal can cover ground fast and quickly end up far from home – so it’s crucial that you try to broaden your search in any way that you can.
If you have lost your canine companion, most importantly, remember to stay strong and vigilant. There are dozens of stories of dogs that go missing and are reunited months, and even in some cases, years later. So don’t give up, your furry friend is out there somewhere, and you’re not alone. Read our blog about support groups for those have lost their beloved canines.