If your dog gets lost or is stolen,
there are some things you can do. Firstly, something every dog owner
should do is to make sure their pet is micro-chipped and always
wears an identity tag on their collar. The tag should be clear to
read and should ideally include your name, your dog’s name,
your address and a contact phone number.
If your dog goes missing, walk around your local area calling your
pet’s name. They might not have gone far. Start your search
by visiting places that you think your dog likes or might be attracted
to. If they are food orientated or it is nearing dinner time, is
there a local fast food place nearby that they might have followed
their nose to. Start looking as soon as they go missing so that
you have a chance of finding them while they are still in the local
area. You will waste valuable time if you wait for them to return.
Check your pet’s insurance policy. Many policies offer various
types of ‘pet reuniting’ services in the event of loss
or theft and many offer a certain amount towards covering the cost
of rewards and advertising as well.
Let as many people as possible know that your dog has gone missing.
Put up posters and pop flyers through doors. You are allowed to
put posters on lamp posts. If you can, put them into a plastic wallet
or covering so that they are partly waterproof. Other good places
for your notices are shop windows, supermarket notice boards and
local veterinary surgeries.
On your posters and flyers, give clear and detailed information
regarding your pet’s coat colour and patterns, distinguishing
marks or features, your pet’s size and age. A photo showing
a good likeness would be very useful, taken from various angles
if possible so that all markings and features can be clearly seen
and identified. As well as a description of your pet, include your
dog’s name and your contact phone number on your notices.
If no one is home manning the phone while you are out searching,
give your mobile phone number out for contact purposes.
When putting flyers through doors, it is a good idea to also ask
people to check their sheds, garages and other out-buildings or
places where a weary stray might hide or find shelter. You could
also try asking your local radio station if they will read out your
notice on air. And of course, contact all the local animal shelters
and veterinary surgeries.
If you weren’t already a member of a reunited scheme when
your pet went missing, some may still allow you to join. And don’t
forget the online websites, many of whom will list your lost or
stolen dog for free. Also visit and post messages to as many online
dog chat rooms, forums and message boards as you can. Online communities
and websites where you can chat and swap information with other
people who are willing to help and/or who have been through a similar
situation will help you to reach a wide audience and will also help
you to stay positive.
One of the
best online lost dog schemes to join is www.doglost.co.uk.
They will soon make a lost dog 'too hot to handle' for dog
thieves and they have a good success rate. Also contact
your local dog warden. Dog Wardens keep a register of all
found dogs that they have picked up.
Most importantly of all, do not give up. Be persistent and
stay in people’s minds by updating your posters, flyers
and online messages. And don’t be afraid to call the
vets and animal shelters regularly to let them know that
your dog is still missing.
Try not to lose faith in your search. There are many cases
of missing dogs being reunited with their family, sometimes
after long periods of time or under unusual circumstances.
Being reunited with your pet can and does happen.
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At D for Dog we have a free Lost Dog section here
Lost Dogs. We also list some of the
major dog ID Schemes.
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