Your dog’s personality has a big impact on how he reacts in a new environment. A fearful dog will look for a safe hiding spot, whereas an adventurous dog will roam. A social dog will go to the nearest park, whereas a highly food motivated dog will go to the nearest dumpster.
Dogs are capable of covering long distances in a short period of time. Dogs, on the other hand, can find their way back home before you do, so leave your backyard gate open or have someone stay home if you don’t have one.
Here are some simple tips to help you find your lost dog quickly
Search for a Nearby Location
If your dog has not yet returned to you, now is the time to take action to reunite you with them. If you search the immediate area as well as a larger radius around where your dog went missing, you will have a better chance of finding them.
Animal Shelters and Veterinary Clinics
Notify your veterinarian, other local veterinary clinics in your community and surrounding areas, and all 24-hour veterinary hospitals in the area that your dog has died and that they should contact you if any new information becomes available. You can also create lost dog flyers, print them, and distribute them to each organization so that your dog can be found and contacted easily.
Notify Us If Your Dog Is Missing
Call your local animal shelters, pet rescue centers, dog wardens, animal control, and any other similar organizations in your area to report your dog missing and to see if your dog has already been turned in.
Use Petco Lost Love in the United States or the National Pet Register in the United Kingdom to report your dog missing in the national database. You can also look through found dog postings to see if your pet has been seen by anyone.
You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Approaching Everyone
During your search, inform everyone you come across about your missing dog and knock on every door with a picture of your dog. Inquire if you may inspect their yard; you will inspect it more thoroughly than they will. You have a thing for dogs.
Stolen Dogs
Not all missing dogs are lost, if you believe your dog has been stolen, contact the police immediately. Continue to notify veterinary clinics and shelters, and distribute “Lost Dog” posters offering a reward for any information.
Make and Distribute Lost Dog Flyers
You can create flyers and print them out and distribute them around your neighborhood and the area where your dog was found. To make the flyer more visible, use large, bright, neon paper if possible.
Never Ever Give Up
It is easy to become discouraged if your dog goes missing for an extended period of time. Many concerned dog owners have been in your shoes and have successfully reunited with their beloved dogs. Don’t give up hope of finding your dog, whether it takes hours, days, weeks, or months.
