What to do when your dog is lost – Tips on how to find your dog

Everyone knows that a dog is man’s best friend, so what happens when you lose your pet? Read on to learn how to organize a search, effectively track down a missing pet, and also deal with the stress of losing a loving and loyal companion.

1. Do a complete sweep of your neighborhood

Walk around your neighborhood with a picture of your pet and some of your dog’s favorite treats. Call his name and check carefully. Ask the neighbors you see if they have seen your dog. The sooner you start looking, the easier it will be to find your pet.

2. Call Animal Shelters

Call your local animal shelters to see if someone brought your dog in or if authorities picked it up. They will ask you for a description of your dog, so the more details you have, the better. Have a file handy with a recent photo of your animal and a list of its defining characteristics, such as a scar or a special color mark. If you have purchased a serial chip for dogs, please keep a copy of the tracking number.

3. Check in Pet Stores and Veterinary Offices

Ask if anyone brought in or reported a missing dog matching your dog’s description. Also ask if they would be willing to put up a poster (have a pre-made poster ready) and email your company’s mailing list with a notice about your missing pet.

4. Advertising

Make a sign with a photo of your dog and your contact information. Hang it in local businesses and community areas like the post office and library. Also try using online resources like community message boards and popular social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook.

An ad in the local newspaper can also be a great way to connect with local residents who may have seen or taken in your furry friend. Be as descriptive as possible, and if you can afford it, include a photo of your pet.

Finally, let’s talk about prevention. First, always license your animal. Your pet’s license allows shelters and authorities to quickly and painlessly reunite you with your animal.

To avoid losing your dog in the first place, always keep your animal in sight. Unless your dog is well trained and responds to voice commands, do not let go and keep the fence on your property in good repair. Remember, even well-trained animals can sometimes wander off and get lost, so take extra care in new environments.