LOST DOG?

READ THIS FIRST

Your dog is likely within 1-2 miles of where they were lost.
This is true even if they’ve only been at that location for a few hours.
UNLESS they are chased.

FLIGHT MODE

When a dog is scared or disoriented, they go into flight mode.
Their survival instinct is to stay close and hide.

But if they’re chased, called, or cornered when scared— they panic.
That panic can cause them to bolt blindly, get lost further, or run into danger.

WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY

  1. DON’T CHASE. DON’T CALL THEIR NAME. ONLY SEARCH. Calling them can make them flee further when scared.

  2. SEARCH

    1. First, create a scent trail. Walk from where your dog was last seen, turn around and walk back toward your home. This leaves a trail to help them find their way back.

    2. Next, drive while someone else searches on foot—spreading your scent too widely can confuse your dog as they try to follow it home. Ask neighbors, friendly dogs are often taken in.

  3. Leave scent items at the point they went missing. Used crate, blanket, dirty laundry, food in a bowl — these help create a “home base.”

  4. If you see them— Sit, stay, and wait. Sit low, sideways, no eye contact. Let them come to you. Wait. Be patient. Let them approach you. Do not reach for them suddenly.

NEXT, FOLLOW THESE STEPS

Alert via FB, Nextdoor, any social media

Create a flyer using our template

  1. Make a copy- do not use our original

  2. Do not put their name on it as you do not want others calling for them and pushing them further away

  3. This isnt about being pretty- this is about finding them. You dont need their cutest photo, you need photos that are clear without background distraction, and would look like them if spotted. Think side angles, downward angles.

  4. For the area last seen do not use exact address, use general area, as you do not want people going to this area and calling for them.

  5. Bright colored large posters work better but in a rush you can use the flyers to get started.

If microchipped- notify company right away

Most common microchip companies:

Report Lost here:

Visit your county shelter and search their websites

Make your flyer