When we take our dogs out for the day or on holiday, we never quite know if they are going to get lost in an unfamiliar area, for instance, if they chase a rabbit and can’t find their way back to us. Or if we are enjoying a family day out on the beach, it is very easy for dogs to slip away if they see someone playing with a ball or enjoying a barbeque. Knowing what to do and acting IMMEDIATELY can make all the difference when your dog goes missing. The following advice will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do.
The first thing to remember is that once your dog has been lost, he will be scared, anxious and extremely stressed. He may not run over to you as soon as he sees you and he may even run away if you run over to him. Instead, if you see him, don’t try to call, chase him, grab him or try to catch him. Instead, stay calm and quiet, sit or lay down, throw treats and wait for him to approach you. It can often take a long time but stick it out – he should approach eventually.
Your dog will usually try to return to where he last saw you or where the car is parked. Try and keep a family member that the dog knows well at both places. Quietly wait nearby, leave the car boot or back door open. Try to stop people from joining the search, walking about calling and shouting, making a lot of noise and leaving confusing scents. This will make things worse: it will scare him and he may go into hiding.
Report him missing as soon as possible, to the following organisations:
- Doglost: www.doglost.co.uk
- Call his microchip company to check your contact details are correct and to report him missing.
- Call the local vets and dog warden. You can look up the local council’s details here: www.gov.uk/check-council-missing-dog
- Local social media groups, such as village news pages – include a photo of the dog, the location in which he went missing from, 2 telephone numbers and ask people to call you straight away if they see him, and not to try and catch or chase your dog.
If you have sightings, take details of location, time, direction and behaviour. If the sighting was recent, a family member should go, leave food and walk around quietly. Again, don’t let lots of people go – just keep it to one of two people that the dog is familiar with. If the sighting was older or the dog was seen running away, put up posters in the area in case the dog returns.
Use posters! Get posters made up as quickly as possible, possibly by family or friends back at home and email them to you. Use a photocopying service to print them and get them out around the area in which he went missing. The poster must include:
- Clear photos
- Location missing from
- 2 telephone numbers
- A message asking people not to chase or try to catch the dog
Posters help to bring dogs home! For further information, please go to the Doglost website.
