How To Find A Lost or Missing Dog

Losing your beloved family pet is an incredibly distressing time and one that many pet owners dread. Even the most obedient dog can go missing; they might be spooked by something unfamiliar, or they may get out of the house and go for a wander before realising they don’t know their way home. In an ideal world, every missing dog would be picked up by a dog warden, have their microchip scanned and then be reunited with their owner. Unfortunately, things aren’t always this simple.

Get on the phone

Unlike when cats go missing, a lost dog is more likely to be picked up by a dog warden or a friendly member of the public. This is simply because seeing a cat roaming the streets without an owner is fairly common, whereas a lost dog is more obvious. Rather than hitting the streets looking for your pet, you should get on the phone and inform your local animal warden, vets and animal rescue centres that your dog is missing.

Flag your pet as missing

You should have the option to flag your pet as missing on their microchip database. This means than anyone scanning their microchip should be notified that the dog has been reported missing. If you are worried that your dog might have been stolen, this is an essential step to ensure the pet is returned to you. If you have a strong suspicion that your pet has been stolen, you should also inform the police.

Get on social media

There are plenty of lost dog and animal groups that will be able to help spread the word about your missing dog. Social media brings us closer than ever before, so if anyone has found your dog they will likely head to the same groups and forums to help find the dog’s owner.

Speak to other dog owners

If your dog has a tried-and-tested walking route, then chances are he will return to this spot if he recognises it. Speak to other dog walkers in the area and ask them to be on the look out for your dog. This is when flyers with your contact details come in handy.

Be prepared

Prevention is the best way to ensure your dog can quickly be reunited with his family, so you should always make sure that your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date. Another simple step to take is to make sure you have a clear and recent photo of your pet. Your phone might be filled with adorable snaps, but unless you have a clear image of your dog and his most distinct markings, it probably won’t do much good.