Tips to help you search for your lost pet

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.

Print the Tips (PDF version)

Lost Pet Websites:
• Lost and Pound
• Fidofinder.com
• Missingpets.com
• Pet Harbor
• Dog Detective
• Find TOTO

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.