Missing Pups Part 2: How to Find Your Dog

You have arrived home to find your dog is not where you left them. There is nothing more heartbreaking.  Now that your pup has gone missing- it is time to find them ! Use these tips to take action and be reunited with your dog once they have gone missing. (For tips on how to prevent missing pets click here.)

• First off DON’T Panic. Take a calm deep breath and first check your home, the backyard and walk about your neighborhood especially if you have not been gone long. Your dog could have been chasing a bird, noise or just running about – circle around the neighborhood and you could spot your pup.

• Phone the Microchip Hotline. If you still haven’t located your dog and have had your animal micro chipped (which you should do if you haven’t already) telephone the hotline alerting them that your dog has gone missing. They will be able to call the local shelters and they have a great chance of finding the pet since it has a specific number.

• Call the Dog Search Hotline (if your dog is not micro chipped.)  This is a service set up just for finding pets and they will do everything for you -  calling shelters and sending out photos.  This service is available for pets inside the Sydney area. Be sure to ask how to send them a photograph as well.

• Call the Shelters. If your area does not offer a dog locating service like this you will have to do the searching and phone all the shelters in your greater area. Make sure to call shelters outside of your neighborhood as well because dogs can travel long distances.  Hopefully, your pet has a collar (sometimes these can be lost while dogs travel or when they get out) but be sure to give them that information as it could help. Also, give the shelter a picture and a detailed description of your pet even if it means going to the shelter. Be sure to leave a contact number in case your pet is found.

• Go Grass Roots. Place posters in the area and alert your neighbors, flat mates and people in your area that you know. They might have spotted your pet or know where it might have gone.  Sometimes this is the best way to find your dog because some dog loving soul may have taken in your animal to care for it and didn’t know how to reach you.

• Post your missing pet on Dog Diaries. We have a great community of dog lovers here at dog diaries. Post your pet’s information here including the city/area last seen, and a detailed description of your dog. Dog Diaries members will be on the lookout and able to contact you if your dog is located.

Don’t give up hope that your dog will be found. Most importantly, don’t listen to stories about dogs that are never found. This will only upset you more – remain diligent about your search and check back every few days with friends, neighbors, dog diaries and shelters.
If you have any other tips about finding your dog or your dog has been lost, let us know.