It’s easy to panic when your dog goes missing because losing a dog is one of the worst things that can happen to a dog owner. A dog often gets lost when it’s with someone else, or in an unfamiliar environment. Fortunately, most dogs are reunited with their owners within hours, but the chances of finding the pet drop sharply after the first day. However, there are things you can do to prevent the unimaginable happening to you and your dog.
How to improve the chances of finding your dog in case it goes missing
- Have the dog microchipped and register it. Although a collar with an ID tag is the first thing to do, a chip is a more secure way of reuniting dog and owner. The chip is implanted by your vet and can be scanned to find the owner’s contact details if the pet gets lost. Unfortunately, many owners don’t register the chip after it has been implanted, or they don’t update information when their details change.
- Take a photo. Ensure you have photos from different angles showing any distinctive marks the dog may have.
- Get a tracking device. If you’re really worried your dog will get lost, maybe you often go hiking with it; it’s worth the price to buy a tracking device that you attach to the collar. Remember to keep the battery charged so that it can pinpoint your dog’s location.
- Have a safe place to leave the dog when you’re not at home. This may seem straightforward, but dogs are an escape artist. Smaller dogs and dogs who love jumping, are particularly prone to go looking for excitement outside its yard. Make sure there are no small openings in the fence and that it’s high enough to keep the jumping dog inside. And of course, that all gates are always securely closed and locked.
What to do if your dog does go missing
- Start searching as soon as you realize the dog is missing, dogs can move a huge distance in a small time. Carry something like a blanket or toy to calm the dog if it’s frightening. Don’t forget to look in backyards and gardens, dogs often investigate these new and unfamiliar places.
- Use posters. This is usually the first and most obvious way to tell people your dog is missing. But make it as eye-catching as possible. “Lost Dog” must be large enough to read from a distance, as well as a good photo, and your contact details. There are templates on the Internet where you can upload this information and then print it out – as many as possible.
- Get active on social networks. This is where social media can be a great help. Contact friends on Facebook and Twitter. Ask your friends to share the information – dogs have been found by friends of friends. Also, use lost-and-found pages on Facebook as well as local community pages.
- Get help from pet rescues. Alert dog people and vets within a 10 to 15km radius. Check nearby shelters personally after a few days. And widen the search – dogs have been found kilometers from their home.
Losing a dog is a traumatic experience, so you owe it to your dog, and yourself, to do everything possible to prevent it from happening.