How to Find a Lost Dog
What to do if Sparky goes Missing
Thousands of dogs are lost every year. Thankfully, many are found. What can you do to make sure you and Sparky enjoy a speedy reunion?
Search the Neighbourhood
If your dog is lost in his own neighbourhood, ask family, friends, and neighbours to help scour the streets. Call the dog's name and listen very carefully. If Sparky is locked in a garage, garden shed, or entangled in foliage, he may be barking his location. After calling his name, stop and listen for his response.
Post Lost Dog Signs
Print brightly-coloured "Lost Dog" posters and tape them to hydro and telephone poles. Ask permission to post them at veterinary hospitals, pet supply shops, grocery stores, grooming salons, doggie daycare centres, churches, and community centres. Post them at parks where dogs and their owners congregate. The signs should include a recent photo of your dog along with the date and vicinity that he went AWOL, and offer a reward if you wish. Police suggest avoiding contact from unscrupulous individuals by refraining from including your full name and street address, especially if you are offering a reward.
Collar Tags & Microchips May Not Bring Your Dog Home
Contact local newspapers, magazines, and radio stations. Some media outlets include lost and found listings at no charge. Phone animal shelters, check their websites, and visit in person. Don't assume that Sparky's collar tags or microchip identification will automatically assure his ticket home. Collars and tags can be lost, microchip scanners may be malfunctioning, and administrative errors can occur.
Visit local shelters every two days and keep in touch with more distant shelters in case your dog's travels took him further away from home.
Time can be critical. Many pets find their way home but don't expect it! If your dog has been picked up by a municipal pound, his room and board may last a paltry few days. Many pounds keep stray pets for three days before offering them for adoption, euthanizing, or selling them to a research lab.
Some dogs become lost when their families are camping or hiking. If your search for him is unsuccessful, place some of your belongings on the ground before leaving the area. Canines are renowned for their excellent noses! Sparky may locate your scent and wait there for your return.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
How can you ensure that you're doing everything possible to prevent your dog from becoming lost?
- Have him microchipped. If you change your contact information in the future, ask the microchip company to update their files.
- Ensure collar tag information is current, legible, and the tag is securely fastened to the collar.
- Make sure fences and gates on your property are kept in good repair.
- Keep your dog on a leash while in unfamiliar territory.
- While traveling by car, leash your dog before opening doors.
- Spay/neuter your dog. Altered pets are less likely to wander.
- Keep a recent photo of your dog at home and in the glove compartment of your car.
There are several websites available to report a lost or found animal. One of the most popular sites is FidoFinder.
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