There is a reason why they say that dogs are man’s best friend – they are always there for you when you need them, providing companionship, love, and a lot of laughter. When you own a dog, they find their way into your heart and become an essential part of your family. That is why it is so frightening when you discover that they are missing.
Losing a dog is something that no one should ever have to go through. Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Dogs often get curious and wander away or run off chasing after something interesting. Once they are gone, they sometimes can’t find their way home, becoming hopelessly lost. They might get taken in by a kind stranger, picked up by animal control, or simply wander the streets searching for a way home.
It is hard not to feel a deep sense of dread and panic when you lose your dog. The good news is, a large percentage of the dogs that are lost each year do find their way home. To improve your chances of success, check out these tips on how to find your lost dog:
1. Contact local animal shelters. When people find lost dogs, they usually drop them off at a nearby shelter. Accurately describe your dog, including any important features or characteristics. If possible, provide the shelter with a photo of your pet. With any luck, your dog will be there waiting to get picked up.
2. Contact animal control. Most cities have an animal control department that is responsible for picking up free-roaming dogs, cats, and other pets. Reach out to animal control in your area to see if they recently found your dog. If they did, they can tell you where they took him and can provide you with instructions on how to get him back.
3. Reach out to local veterinarians. If someone happens upon your dog, they might take it to a local veterinarian to have it scanned for a microchip. Contact vets in your area to let them know that your dog is missing. That way, if someone does bring them in, they can contact you right away.
4. Print up flyers. Find a clear, close-up photo of your pet. Use it to put together a missing pet flyer. Decide whether or not you want to offer a reward to the person who finds them. Include your contact details so that people can easily reach you. Post the fliers everywhere you can think of.
5. Post ads on local classified sites and in your newspaper. Include a clear photo of your pet. Leave out one unique characteristic or feature that can be used to identify them. When people respond to your ad, ask them to describe your pet in detail. If they don’t mention the characteristic that you left out of your ad, they could be trying to scam you.
The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to find your lost dog is that you should never give up hope. As long as you are diligent and stick with your search, you should eventually be reunited with your best friend.