Key takeaways
Losing a dog is one of the most stressful things a pet parent can go through. Our panic and distress can often cloud our judgment.
The most important thing to remember is to report your dog missing as soon as possible.
In this guide, we explore why reporting your pet is essential before exploring exactly who to report them to and how.
Quick Navigation
Why you should report a lost dog
So shelters know your dog is a pet: Many lost dogs will end up in the local animal shelter after being spotted. If these shelters aren't aware that your pup is a pet, they may put them up for adoption or even euthanize them if they aren't claimed. The more shelters in the know, the safer your dog is and the more chance you'll have of reuniting with them.
To spread the message: The more people on the lookout for your missing pet, the better. If you spread the message far and wide, you're more likely to get a reported sighting that leads you to your pup.
For your dog's safety: Organizations dedicated to keeping lost pets and stray animals safe can take the right steps to prioritize your dog's wellbeing in this stressful time.
For advice and help: Trying to find a lost dog when you are stressed, panicked, and emotional can feel impossible. This is why getting professional help and advice can make all the difference and increase the chances of you reuniting with your best bud.
Who to report a lost dog to
Local animal shelters
Check their current dogs
Check reported sightings
Advise on your next steps
Provide photos: Emailing or sending shelter photos will make it much easier for them to identify your pup if it is handed in. Clear images of memorable physical traits will help a lot!
Provide contact details: Including as many contact details as possible in your report will make it easier for the shelter to keep you updated. Provide phone numbers, email addresses, and postal addresses.
Provide a description: A description of both your dog's physical appearance and personality is important. Shelters need to know how to act around your dog if they are found, and knowing whether they are shy, timid, aggressive, or confident will help them do this.
PetRadar
Send you a personalized, free, and printable missing dog poster: We create an expertly designed missing pet poster for your pup. It'll have all of the information you submit, as well as a QR code that passers-by can scan to report a sighting. This means you don't have to share your personal contact details with the public.
Offer constant support and guidance: Our team of pet lovers will be there for you every step of the way. We'll instantly notify you when a sighting is reported, send you updates on your search every 12 hours, and provide you with hundreds of articles full of advice.
List your missing pet on our website: We'll create a listing of your lost dog on our website. This means if anyone finds your pup and searches for lost dogs in the area, the listing will pop up, and they'll be able to contact you.
Local animal control
Notify local dog wardens: Many areas will have dedicated dog wardens who are required to attend to reports of stray dogs and missing dogs. They will have extensive knowledge of the area and will be able to give you some hands-on help searching for them.
Provide helpful resources: Certain resources, like humane traps and fences, can be especially helpful for securing a lost dog. However, they can be hard to find and expensive. Animal control will be kitted out to help you every step of the way.
Help the search effort: The more people helping out the search effort, the more ground you can cover. It's likely members of animal control will be able to help physically search to increase your chances of finding your pup.
The more people helping out the search effort, the more ground you can cover.
Veterinarians
Scan them for a microchip
Check for injuries and health conditions
Give them some basic nutrients, food, and water
FAQs
Do police deal with lost dogs?
The police department will deal with stolen dogs because a crime has been committed, but they won't often deal with lost dogs. Instead, contact Animal Control and your local dog warden.
Who should I contact if I lose my dog?
If you lose your dog, report them missing straight away to local shelters, animal control, local veterinarians, and your community dog wardens.
What to do if you've lost a dog?
If you've lost a dog, you should report them missing straight away to local shelters and Animal Control. Then, start a thorough physical search and spread the message to your neighbors through posters and a PetRadar search.
How do I report a lost dog?
To report a lost dog, call up local animal shelters in your area and contact local Animal Control. They'll be able to help you in your search efforts and give you expert advice.
What are the odds of finding a lost dog?
The majority of lost dogs are found, meaning the odds of finding your furry friend are good! To increase the chances, make sure you report them missing straight away and start a thorough physical search.
Final thoughts
Written by
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.
