So you lost your dog. Now what?

The pool man left the back gate open, your toddler opened the front door, the dog dug out under the fence to follow his nose. These are all common reasons for dogs to go missing and each scenario is equally terrifying for the pet owner. First, calm down and take a deep breath. You’ll need to be focused and full of positive energy before getting started.

STEP 1

Gather a clear photo of your dog that will stand out on a flier, on Facebook and on email.

STEP 2

If your pet is micro-chipped, gather the paperwork and contact the microchip company immediately.  Let them know the following; 1. Your dog is missing 2. Make sure your contact info is correct in their system. 3. Send them a current photo of your dog.

If your dog is wearing a collar with a tag do the following; 1. Make sure your phone is charged 2. Change your outgoing message so anyone calling will know they have reached the dog’s owner. 3. If the number on your dog’s ID tag has changed, call or text your old number. Let the person know the situation and ask them to contact you if they get a call about your dog.

If your dog is not wearing a collar do the following; 1. GO BUY A COLLAR & ID TAG TO HAVE READY WHEN YOUR DOG IS BACK HOME SAFELY!  That’s the positive energy we mentioned above. : )

STEP 3

SET A REWARD AMOUNT.  REWARDS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN REUNITING PETS WITH THEIR OWNERS!!  Make sure that the flier states that there is a REWARD for the missing dog where you would usually put the pet’s name. If you can’t afford a reward then start calling family and asking everyone for a few bucks. The reward doesn’t have to be big and the amount doesn’t have to be listed. Even $10 is better than nothing and for someone who needs the cash its encouragement to put boots on the ground and start helping you locate your beloved pet.

STEP 4

Make a Flier.  By far the fastest way to reunited with your dog is by POSTING FLIERS ALL AROUND THE AREAS THE DOG WAS LAST SEEN.

CLICK HERE TO CREATE & PRINT A FLIER FOR FREE: http://www.helpinglostpets.com/petdetail/postpet.aspx?rc=o1208

NEVER LIST THE DOGS NAME – Instead of their name type REWARD! It also helps to say they need medication as this will create an urgency for the finders to return the dog.

If you can’t post the fliers yourself, then contact a local rescue group and see if they can help.

STEP 5

POST THE FLIER ON YOUR CAR IF POSSIBLE OR WRITE ON YOUR MESSAGE ON THE CAR WINDOWS!   You can grab a ton of attention by gluing the flier to a piece of cardboard and taping it to the outside of your window. This is a very effective tool, because it’s so eye catching.  Almost everyone driving by will make an effort to see what the flier says. Some other great places to post fliers are vet offices, gas stations, schools, libraries and grocery stores.

STEP 6

Next it’s time to post an ad on www.Craigslist.Org under COMMUNITY | LOST AND FOUND. When posting the ad be sure to mention the sex and any distinguishing marks such as a spay tattoo, scar or marking.  DON’T LIST THE DOGS NAME.  It’s always a good idea to have medical records and photos on hand to prove you are the dog’s true owner.

Another great resource for reuniting pets are Facebook community pages that are usually named Lost and Found Pets. For example in New Orleans it’s NOLA Pets Lost and Found. Look for these groups and reach out to local rescues to share the images of your lost pet so that they get as much exposure as possible. WE CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT THE FLIERS ARE!!!  They are your best bet for reuniting with your best friend.

STEP 7

If your dog got lost in the woods, set out several pieces of your clothing around the area to help them track your scent and find their way home.   

STEP 8 

BE PROACTIVE!  I know it’s tempting to sit at the computer and send emails, but trust us, getting out of the house and posting fliers, talking your neighbors; to the mail ma & FedEx/ups people  neighbors is equally important.

We hope that this guide has been helpful tool!  Please sends us your stories and anything you think we can add that has worked for you in the past.  GOOD LUCK & DOG BLESS!

So you lost your dog. Now what?

The pool man left the back gate open, your toddler opened the front door, the dog dug out under the fence to follow his nose. These are all common reasons for dogs to go missing and each scenario is equally terrifying for the pet owner. First, calm down and take a deep breath. You’ll need to be focused and full of positive energy before getting started.

STEP 1

Gather a clear photo of your dog that will stand out on a flier, on Facebook and on email.

STEP 2

If your pet is micro-chipped, gather the paperwork and contact the microchip company immediately.  Let them know the following; 1. Your dog is missing 2. Make sure your contact info is correct in their system. 3. Send them a current photo of your dog.

If your dog is wearing a collar with a tag do the following; 1. Make sure your phone is charged 2. Change your outgoing message so anyone calling will know they have reached the dog’s owner. 3. If the number on your dog’s ID tag has changed, call or text your old number. Let the person know the situation and ask them to contact you if they get a call about your dog.

If your dog is not wearing a collar do the following; 1. GO BUY A COLLAR & ID TAG TO HAVE READY WHEN YOUR DOG IS BACK HOME SAFELY!  That’s the positive energy we mentioned above. : )

STEP 3

SET A REWARD AMOUNT.  REWARDS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN REUNITING PETS WITH THEIR OWNERS!!  Make sure that the flier states that there is a REWARD for the missing dog where you would usually put the pet’s name. If you can’t afford a reward then start calling family and asking everyone for a few bucks. The reward doesn’t have to be big and the amount doesn’t have to be listed. Even $10 is better than nothing and for someone who needs the cash its encouragement to put boots on the ground and start helping you locate your beloved pet.

STEP 4

Make a Flier.  By far the fastest way to reunited with your dog is by POSTING FLIERS ALL AROUND THE AREAS THE DOG WAS LAST SEEN.

CLICK HERE TO CREATE & PRINT A FLIER FOR FREE: http://www.helpinglostpets.com/petdetail/postpet.aspx?rc=o1208

NEVER LIST THE DOGS NAME – Instead of their name type REWARD! It also helps to say they need medication as this will create an urgency for the finders to return the dog.

If you can’t post the fliers yourself, then contact a local rescue group and see if they can help. Some

STEP 5

POST THE FLIER ON YOUR CAR IF POSSIBLE OR WRITE ON YOUR MESSAGE ON THE CAR WINDOWS!   You can grab a ton of attention by gluing the flier to a piece of cardboard and taping it to the outside of your window. This is a very effective tool, because it’s so eye catching.  Almost everyone driving by will make an effort to see what the flier says. Some other great places to post fliers are vet offices, gas stations, schools, libraries and grocery stores.

STEP 6

Next it’s time to post an ad on www.Craigslist.Org under COMMUNITY | LOST AND FOUND. When posting the ad be sure to mention the sex and any distinguishing marks such as a spay tattoo, scar or marking.  DON’T LIST THE DOGS NAME.  It’s always a good idea to have medical records and photos on hand to prove you are the dog’s true owner.

Another great resource for reuniting pets are Facebook community pages that are usually named Lost and Found Pets. For example in New Orleans it’s NOLA Pets Lost and Found. Look for these groups and reach out to local rescues to share the images of your lost pet so that they get as much exposure as possible. WE CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT THE FLIERS ARE!!!  They are your best bet for reuniting with your best friend.

STEP 7

If your dog got lost in the woods, set out several pieces of your clothing around the area to help them track your scent and find their way home.   

STEP 8 

BE PROACTIVE!  I know it’s tempting to sit at the computer and send emails, but trust us, getting out of the house and posting fliers, talking your neighbors; to the mail ma & FedEx/ups people  neighbors is equally important.

We hope that this guide has been helpful tool!  Please sends us your stories and anything you think we can add that has worked for you in the past.  GOOD LUCK & DOG BLESS!