Sheri L.
6 years ago
Here's what to do when you lose your dog. The first 24 hours are critical!
File a lost report with animal control and notify microchip company if your dog is chipped. Post your pet as lost on the MD SPCA web site and check their found pet listings.
Put something with your scent outside. If possible, hang it so the wind carries your scent. Put out smelly treats, too.
Walk your neighborhood, speak to neighbors and hand out fliers.
Post on Facebook to lost and found pet groups, neighborhood/community groups, yardsale sites for your area, etc..
Post to NextDoor.com, Craigslist and Pawboost.com (use the free option).
Put up fliers for at least two to three miles in all directions. Place them in plastic page protectors turned upside down to protect from rain. Secure with tacks and fluorescent tape (or print on bright paper to draw the eye). Make your fliers easy to read - LOST, picture, phone #. Remember...not everyone uses Facebook!
Mount a photo on bright posterboard and
handwrite LOST, REWARD and your phone number in large print visible from a car. Place at intersections. You can cover these signs with cellophane from the dollar store to protect from rain. Home Depot and Lowes sell blank signs with stands and you can mount bright posterboard to these.
Consider using a pet tracker. Dogs Finding Dogs and Pure Gold Pet Trackers are two in the area.
Check the shelter *in person* every other day if possible. It is imperative that you check IN PERSON and find out how long your shelter holds stray animals.
Do not dismiss dogs that are posted based on photos alone (or collar, etc.). Shelters DO make mistakes on intake and photos can be VERY deceiving.
Check Craigslist (for sale, pets and lost & found sections) and Facebook sites daily!
