What to do if your dog goes missing

Lost Dogs of America created and launched the first National Lost Dog Awareness Day On April 23, 2014.  A day geared to bringing attention to lost dogs.  They run on volunteers whose sole mission is to reunite dogs with their owners.  Since 2011 they have reunited 99,521 dogs with their families since 2011.

According to LDOA, “getting lost dogs back home reduces stress on owners’, staff at shelters/animal control facilities, other dogs in the facilities, and ultimately saves taxpayers’ money. It also opens up kennel space for truly homeless dogs. When a dog goes missing, many families give up looking for their lost pet. National Lost Dog Awareness Day was created to give hope to the families still looking for their dogs and remind the public that “not all stray dogs are homeless dogs”. (lostdogsofamerica.org)

Please click here to read up on this wonderful organization.

Losing a dog is every pet parent’s worse nightmare! Just the thought of losing Ginger scares me so much. Below are some tips from the ASPCA to help avoid something like this from occurring.

In the case that your dog does go missing don’t  Panic. (I know easier said then done). First, check the inside of your home. Check closets, the bathroom anywhere you think your pup may have gone. Walk around the property shaking treats calling out their name. Contact your neighbors and ask that they check their properties.

If you can gather a small group, walk around your neighborhood. Carry open cans of food and/or treats as well. Have someone ride you around the neighborhood. While all this is being done someone should stay behind in case your dog does return home. If you cannot be at home, leave a favorite chew toy outside and fresh water for them.  Let your neighbors know so that they too can be on the lookout in case your dog wanders back.

Identification is key! Your dog should wear an updated identification tag at all times and the information on it should be kept current and clear. After time tags wear down and become dull, always check them. Ginger’s tag also includes the word “REWARD” on it.  Only include that if you do intend on giving one.

Microchipping your dog can be helpful. A veterinarian simply injects a microchip (it’s the size of a grain of rice) beneath the surface of your pet’s skin.  It’s a simple procedure that requires no anesthetic. If you decide to microchip your pet, as with their ID tags please remember to keep all their information updated in the data base. We used Home Again, you can read more about them by clicking here.

Call your local animal control and shelter. Let them know your dog has gone missing. Call them daily and stop in every so often.

Join different groups. There are plenty of Yahoo and Facebook groups that cater to lost pets. Get the information out to them with details and a current photo. They will post the information and many of their members will share and pass it on.

Email everyone that you know! You can create a flyer and the top should read, “LOST DOG.” There should be an updated photo and include a number in which you can be reached. If you plan on giving a Reward indicate it on the flyer.   Laminate flyers if you plan on hanging them outside. Hang them on street poles, at dog parks, supermarkets, pet stores, the vet’s office, anywhere they will get exposure.

Put an ad in the paper. Any information included in the flyer should be in the ad.  Again if you are giving a Reward indicate it on the Ad.

You can download lost dog apps.  There is the Find Rover mobile app, as well as the, ASPCA mobile app. The ASPCA app has many features and you can even build a lost pet digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels.

Lastly, avoid things that may cause your dog to run away. If you are expecting guests make sure they close the doors behind them. Make sure your outdoor gates are closed and have their latches on. When we have company, I like to confine Ginger to the living room with a baby gate. It also keeps her from getting stepped on which has happened in the past. Thunderstorms and fireworks can also make dogs fearful causing them to run. If you are expecting a storm or know that fireworks will be on display create a safe space for your dog and monitor them at all times.

And remember, NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER LOSE HOPE! The news is always featuring stories about dogs being reunited with their owners all the time, even after a lengthy period of time.

There’s a good chance you will be reunited again!