We hope you never have the need to use the tips on this page. But if you or someone you know has lost a pet, it is important to gather people to help you and begin your search plan right away.

Immediately Make a Flyer

Include:

• Good photo of head and body

• Accurate dog description, it’s collar, possible tags, micro-chip info

• Clear and accurate contact information

• Reward, if one is being offered

Fax or Email Flyer and Other Information

Send to:

• All area vets within a 4 mile radius to begin

• All possible animal shelters and local animal control officials - visit animal shelters at least every other day!

• Animal rescue organizations

• Family/friends, whether in the area or not – they may know someone who knows someone

• Potential volunteers to search and post flyers

Distribute Flyers

• Making black and white copies of your flyer at Kinko’s or a similar business is most cost effective

• Use brightly colored paper to be most noticeable

• Print at least 100 and be liberal posting and handing them out

• Remind volunteers to take both tape and thumb tacks with them.

• Post flyers where many people will see them (e.g., espresso stands, gas stations, laundromats, mailbox clusters)

• Post flyers where people buy dog food and supplies (e.g., pet food stores, grocery stores, Grange Supply)

• Hand out flyers to people (neighbors in the area where the dog was last seen, people walking, riding bikes)

• Place flyers on windshields of cars parked in the area

• For a small dog (under 20 lbs) start by thoroughly covering a 1 mile radius 

• Project out further based on the dog's size, breed, and condition

Communication

Searchers need to cover as much area as possible without repeating efforts. Time is of the essence!

• Create a phone list of searchers, also include their email addresses to keep everyone updated on the progress

• Use cell phones to stay in contact with and report sightings of the dog to fellow searchers

• Create, distribute to volunteers and keep updated, a map covering a 2 mile radius from where the dog was last seen

   

  • Track areas where flyers have been posted

  • Identify where the dog is reported to have been seen

  • Communicate where flyers have been placed

   

When the Dog has Been Sighted 

Concentrate flyer distribution in the immediate area.

• Distribute flyers door to door

• Ask people to call if they spot the dog

 Leave the following items in the vicinity:

• Fragrant, irresistible food

• Owner or familiar person’s socks, piece of clothing

• Water/dish

• Open crate with blanket inside

When YOU See the Dog

Remember, the dog may be extremely frightened.

• Immediately summon a person the dog knows and trusts

• Crouch low and move slowly, if at all

• Speak calmly and quietly

• Offer food from a distance and wait

Staying calm and relaxed in the dog's presence is critical.

p.o. box 1691

Issaquah, WA  98027

info@peopleunitedforpets.com