First things first: There is hope. If you’ve lost your dog, or ever have to go through this harrowing experience, never give up hope. Today, Bully Sticks For Dogs gives you a few ways to increase the odds of finding a lost dog.
1. Act Quickly: The quicker you start looking for your dog after you realize he’s gone, the better. Here are some immediate actions you can take:
Call animal shelters, rescues and humane societies within a 60-mile radius to report your missing dog. You can find this information at www.pets911.com or your local phone book. If none of these organizations exist in your area, call the local police department. Inform all of these institutions of your dog’s information (age, sex, breed, markings, collar color, etc.) You can also post your dog’s information on these websites: www.PetAmberAlert.com and petmetric.com.
Gather friends and family to start canvassing your neighborhood and town. A two-mile radius from your home is a good start. Knock on doors and ask every one you see; they might have information.
2. Advertise: You’ll want to make sure you advertise that your pet is missing,but be smart about it. Follow these helpful tips:
“Missing Dog” Notices are an important tool to inform and remind people a dog is missing in your community. Creating a business-card size to hand directly to people and a poster size are the way to go.
For business-cards list only the elemental information such as “LOST: Charlie,hound mix, brown, black and white. 60#, male. Last seen 3/1/12 on Grace Street near Boulevard, OurTown, VA. Wearing blue collar w/ rabies tag.” Make sure to include phone number and email as well.
For posters use all the elemental and specific information as your card-size flyer, but you can add more detail. For example you can say, “LOST: Charlie, hound mix. 60#, etc…” But using the phrase, “family dog” will motivate people. However, using “therapy dog,” “show dog” or “breeding dog” should be avoided! Sometimes too much information is detrimental. Add a good quality photo of your dog to the poster. Also, leave out one distinguishing feature of your dog so you can have a fail-safe key for when someone says they have your dog. (More about scammers later.)
Rewards motivate people as well but you should never state the amount of the reward. If your dog has any anxiety or aggression issues, make sure you state how to care for your dog if someone finds them. For example: “Please try and coax her into your garage or fenced yard and call us.” Or, “Don’t attempt to corner her. Simply call us with her location ASAP.” Hang these flyers at vet’s offices, animal shelters, pet stores and intersections. If you have the means, placing an ad in the newspaper or on the radio doesn’t hurt either.
Tips:
Always list a female as spayed whether they are or not. This will protect your dog from any people who might see your dog as a breeding opportunity.
Use a color photo or at least use colored paper. These colors will draw more attention to your flyer.
Only hang up posters in groups. Don’t do this alone.
3. After the first 24 hours you’ll want to canvass your neighborhood and several times a day looking for your dog. Make sure to call their name as you walk. It’s always better to do this with groups of people if possible to maximize the potential of finding Fido.
Fax or drop off posters to all surrounding animal rescues, shelters, vet’s offices, and pet stores. Initiate more friends and family to spread the word. Post on community forums and blogs about your lost pet.
4. Beware of pet scammers. This is an especially tender time for dog owners, but that doesn’t mean people won’t try to take advantage of you. Remember that detail you left out of your dog’s description? Ask any e-mailers or callers to not only to describe your pet thoroughly but also about this distinguishing feature. Remember to think smart and never meet someone to pick up your dog alone. Also, be wary of people who ask you to give or wire them money in exchange for your pet.
5. After two days, extend your search. Go farther in your vehicle and ask friends and family to do the same. Keep asking people, your FedEx delivery man, the mail man, even runners or bicyclists, if they’ve seen your dog. Look at the “Found” section in your local newspaper. Someone may be trying to find you!
And remember, don’t give up hope! People have been reunited with their dogs after months of searching.
