How To Find A Lost Dog

When your dog is lost it can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. If you miss your furry friend, there are some tips to help find your dog. Time is of the utmost importance.

Act Immediately. Time is critical. Every minute that passes is a minute that your dog may be wandering farther away from finding his way into harm. Do not hesitate to take action. Almost nothing is more important at this point. Call in sick, excuse yourself from a meeting, break a date, whatever it takes.

Enlist The Help Of Others. You want to immediately get as many other people involved as you possibly can. Call all of your friends. Call family members. Call or go to your neighbors.

Most people can identify with your situation and will want to help. Even if they can't join the search they can keep an eye out, or help with making posters or phone calls. Now is not the time to be shy. You have a missing loved one.

Physically Search Everywhere Within A 1-Mile Radius. Unless your dog is a "runner", he or she is probably within a one-mile radius. Within the first 2 hours, most dogs are just "wanderers". They're out just exploring and enjoying a little freedom. They are probably walking, not running. After they have enjoyed this new found freedom for a short while (10-30 minutes) they are likely to start to think about returning home.

Unfortunately, unless your dog has followed a familiar path he/she is likely to get confused and scared when it realizes it is lost. It may seek to befriend anyone it finds or it may decide to hide and avoid any contact with other people or animals. Keep everyone searching and calling out for your dog.

 Make sure everyone uses the dog's name. It will be listening for a friendly voice. Also, if your dog has any squeaky toys, squeak them constantly. Dogs have incredible hearing and this will be a very comforting and inviting sound.

Post "Lost Dog" Posters Everywhere. Everyone notices them when passing by. While people won't memorize all of the info on the poster, almost everyone remembers the breed and/or the picture. Make sure you have your dog's picture on the poster. (It should be the largest thing.) If anyone sees or finds your dog they will know to go back to one of the posters to get your contact info.

Call and Visit Shelters and Vets. Within the first 24 hours and every day after, call all of the local animal shelters and veterinary offices. After two days, physically go to all of the animal shelters and look for your dog. Do not take the word of someone on the phone. They may be busy or mistaken.

Do Not Give Up - Try Other Techniques
a) Offer a reward.
b) Contact an online pet finder service.
c) Consult with pet psychics. (This actually worked for me. I can't recommend it highly enough.)

Pet psychics have been around for many years. If you have a lost dog, now is the best time to step out of your comfort zone and try this crazy-sounding technique. It worked for me. It has worked for other people many, many times!