lost dog app

Key takeaways

Losing a dog is a heartbreaking and stressful ordeal and one that we often don't know how to navigate.

Luckily, lost dog apps mean that you can increase your chances of finding your furry friend while getting expert advice and support.

We detail how our app can help you before offering our expert tips and tricks to track down a lost dog.

Key takeaways
How a lost dog app can help find lost pets
Other ways to find a lost dog
FAQs
Final thoughts

How a lost dog app can help find lost pets

When you lose a pet, you can feel completely hopeless. It's often our first time experiencing the situation, and the distress and emotion can impact our ability to think practically and make good decisions. This is why using a lost dog app can make the process a lot easier and increase your chances of finding your pup.

Spreads the message

PetRadar uses social media platforms to spread the message of your missing dog to as many people in your area as possible. It works the same as sticking up a missing pet poster but instead utilizes the connectivity of social media.

After getting some information about your pet, we create sponsored posts and then share them on Facebook and Instagram. These will then pop up on the feeds of your neighbors within a specific radius from your home.

From the post, they will be able to report a sighting, save it for later, or send it to a friend to spread the message further.

You'll have access to all the following information in your personal dashboard:

How many times your post has been seen

How many interactions your post has received

Every sighting that has been reported

The option to increase the search radius

Helpful guidance and support

Losing a dog is a situation we never want to find ourselves in. After all, they are part of the family. So, when we lose them, it can be terrifying.

To make it easier, we have an incredible customer support team that are there to answer your every question. We'll make sure that starting a PetRadar search and finding your dog is as stress free as possible.

Alongside our interactive customer service, we also have a wealth of incredible articles full of expert help and advice on every topic you can imagine. We hope this helps you feel less alone and more proactive!

Helpful resources

We understand not everyone can spend money on our digital searches, which is why our lost pet finder has a brilliant free version designed to help you find lost dogs. We offer as much help as possible, sending you a starter pack that includes:

Personal dashboard with help and support

An expertly designed, downloadable missing dog poster

Listing your lost pet on our website

Our most useful resource is our missing pet poster. Unfortunately, over the years in our industry, we have seen how many pet owners are harassed when they make their contact details public on a poster. From prank calls to misuse of data, it's the last thing you need during this stressful time.

That's why we have designed our free, printable poster that uses a unique QR code instead of private contact details. Passers-by can simply scan the code with their phone. They will then be taken to the listing of your pet on our website, where they can report a sighting. You'll be instantly notified so you can stay proactive in your search.

PetRadar's free downloadable missing dog poster

Other ways to find a lost dog

There are many other ways you can increase your chances of finding your pet. While local awareness is essential, you should be actively searching for your pup every day.

Report them missing

The first thing all pet lovers should do if they suspect their furry friend is missing is to report them. The more official organizations that know about your pet, the better.

Use the following checklist:

Microchip company: Call your microchip company and ensure all the details on their chip are up to date. This will mean if your pup is picked up and scanned, you will be contacted straight away.

Local animal shelters: Making sure as many animal shelters as possible know about your dog is essential. It will help them keep an eye out and act fast on any reported sightings they receive that match your dog's description.

Dog warden: A dog warden's job is to attend reportings of stray dogs, lost dogs, and dogs that are in need of care. They will patrol local areas, meaning they are a great person to notify about your pet.

Another reason why it's important to notify as many people as possible is the potential for your dog to be euthanized. It's a nightmare scenario no one wants to think about, but it's important you are aware of it.

If your dog is not microchipped and they are handed into a shelter, if no one claims them, then they can be euthanized within just 5 days. However, if you provide descriptions, photos, and contact details, then shelters will be able to check their found dogs and notify you if there's a match.

A lost dog having their microchip scanned

Physically search for your lost pet

Traditional methods like physically searching for lost pets are still the most effective way to find lost animals. Unless they have been spooked, dogs are unlikely to travel too far away when they have gone missing.

If they ran away from home, use the following checklist:

Outbuildings: Sheds, garages, and bin stores all make for an exciting adventure for your dog. However, they can be easy places to become trapped. Make sure you check all outbuildings in your garden and your neighbors', with permission, and open up the doors so they can easily escape.

Neighbors' gardens: Look for signs that your dog has escaped to the neighbors' gardens, like broken fences or dug holes. With permission, search their gardens thoroughly.

Local parks: Dogs have an impressive memory and sense of location, meaning they will know the route to their favorite parks and walks. If they have gone on a solo adventure, then they will probably head in the direction of these places.

If they ran away on a walk, use the following checklist:

Retrace your steps: Your pup will be able to follow your trail using their sense of smell. This means you should avoid walking further and increasing the search radius; instead, retrace your steps while searching thoroughly.

Use food and call their name: Bring treats with you to tap into their powerful sense of smell and gently call their name in calm and happy tones to try and attract them back to you.

Check quiet hiding spots: If your dog has gotten lost, they may be going into 'survival mode'. This means they will be frightened of interacting with anyone and will choose to hide until they feel safe.

Search local towns: If you've got a particularly sociable pup, they will be attracted to the sounds of people and other dogs. Search nearby towns or houses for any signs of them.

Two owners searching for their dog in the woods

Use social media

While lost dog apps like PetRadar use social media, there are also ways you can. Joining local lost and found pets groups on Facebook and WhatsApp will give you access to local members in your area. Posting on these sites can increase awareness of your lost dog.

In your post, be sure to include:

Photos of your dog

A detailed physical description of your dog

A detailed description of your dog's personality

Where your dog was last seen

Where you live

Your contact details

FAQs

Is there an app for finding a lost pet?

Yes, there is an app for finding a lost pet. PetRadar uses social media advertising to alert thousands of neighbors about your missing pet. They'll then notify you as soon as a sighting is reported.

Can a lost dog be tracked?

A lost dog can only be tracked if they have a GPS tracking device attached to their collar. Without this, you can track them through reported sightings using PetRadar.

How should I find my lost dog?

To find a lost dog, you need to report them missing, physically search for them, and spread the message.

What to do if you find a lost dog?

If you find a lost dog, you need to call a local animal shelter, dog warden, or animal control. They will be able to advise you on how to proceed and will come and help you, providing the dog with the care it needs

Can I track my pet with my phone?

You can track your pet with your phone if you attach a GPS tracking device to their collar.

Will a dog whistle help find a lost dog?

If your dog is trained to a dog whistle, then the sound will attract them to you and help find a lost dog. If they aren't trained, it still may attract your dog out of curiosity.

How long do dogs usually go missing for?

Dogs usually only go missing for 24 to 48 hours.

Final thoughts

PetRadar doesn't only focus on lost dogs; in fact, we help all lost pets. So, whether you are trying to find a lost cat or a lost parrot, we're here for you every step of the way.

Start a PetRadar search now and get your furry friend home!

Written by

Lauren Jeffries

In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.

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