If you or someone else finds your dog, do not shout or chase after it. Sit or get low to the ground and stay still and calm. Have some treats on you. Try tossing the treats out at the dog to lure him/her towards you. Slowly inch towards the dog as you are doing this until you can grab them. If they run away, do not chase them as this will cause them to run further and make your search harder. Make sure you tell others helping this information.
Try to have one of the owners home in the early morning. This is often a time dogs feel safer because there is less going on, and they will try to find their way back to you.
Always be carrying treats with you, in case you see them so you can lure them to you with treats!
Leave lights on, and the door cracked open if safe so they can get back in if they find their way again.
Even if there are coyotes in the area, don’t worry or lose hope! Coyotes actually very rarely bother lost dogs. It is technically possible but much less common than perceived.
Even if it is snowing or below freezing, don’t lose hope! Dogs are actually very hearty and able to survive below freezing temps.
Try and look for dog paw prints in the dirt when you are searching.
Write “MISSING DOG” with phone number on all you vehicles. As you are driving around people may notice, and some people have found their dogs this way.
Try using a dog whistle. They may be lost in the woods and could be able to follow the sound.
Call and report your missing dog to the following:
Your Microchip company
Any local or state-wide animal rescue/non profit organizations (Humane Societies, Animal Rescues)
Local police and sheriffs departments
All local vets
Local animal shelters
Local news - request them to share your Facebook post
Complete online listings on the following:
Helping Lost Pets - pick your state: http://www.helpinglostpets.com/
NextDoor - https://nextdoor.com/
PawBoost - https://www.pawboost.com/
Facebook:
Create a Facebook post with details on the situation, location last seen, contact information if sighted, and picture of pet. Include something sentimental about how much you love your dog and need to find them! Ex. “Our dog is truly our family and we are devastated he/she is missing. We will do anything to be reunited as a family again. Please help if you are able!” Post it to the following:
VERY IMPORTANT that you post this directly from your own FB account and make it PUBLIC. This way, if people see your post on a private group they can still go to your profile and share it.
The Facebook group for the town that your dog is lost in. Ex. “Harpers Ferry, IA” This one is the most important to post on!
Facebook group for lost dogs in your state. Ex. “Lost Dogs Iowa”, “Iowa - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets”, “Lost/Missing Dogs of Iowa”, “Cedar Rapids, IA - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets”. Use the search function to find more.
Facebook groups for the kind of breed you have. Ex. “Goldendoodles Rock!”, “iheartgoldendoodles”.
Local buy/trade/sell page
Any other lost pet Facebook groups you can find
Instagram:
If you have Instagram, copy and paste your Facebook post and put in on Instagram as well.
Posters and Flyers:
Some local pet rescue organizations may be able to help you make these. Otherwise, supplies and instructions below:
Sign materials:
Neon poster board - 2 per sign, front and back - Dollar Store
Fiberboard - 1 per sign - Dollar Store
36 inch Wooden Stakes - Hardware Store
Magnum Sharpie - Hardware Store
Gallon size ziplock bags - non-pleated bottom - Dollar Store or Hardware Store
Print 8.5x11 pics of your dog
Print 8.5x11 pic of your phone number - Word Doc or your can write the number with the thick marker
Staple Gun
Clear Packing Tape
Large clear plastic bags to cover the whole sign - Hardware Store or you can cover with clear packing tape or clear contact paper. The tape and contact paper hold up longer but is more costly than the bags.
Sign Making Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOjceq8GXc&fbclid=IwAR3NjBd-h4ELBWmVJIo9gSJnro4h7cKnKW_Lj3D9Kblw0YbSFQnv_AL7yKw
Flyer Template - Get about 100 made and distribute to the area residents, stores, animal shelters, etc.
Example shown in photo above with heading “LOST DOG”
Caution:
Don’t Get Scammed: https://www.pawboost.com/blog/2017-4-21-how-to-recognize-and-avoid-the-lost-pet-scam/?utm_swu=4248&utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BewareScammersAgnosticLost&utm_content=link
Be careful about walking on to people’s property without asking first. Most people are incredibly kind and want to help but some can be dangerous so be careful.
If you are in an area with bears, be careful about leaving out food.
If it is hunting season and you are out in the woods, be careful. Buy orange hunting clothing.