How To Find Your Lost Dog
To do list:
SEARCH INSIDE THE HOUSE
Small dogs can get locked up in cupboards, wardrobes, pantries, etc
SEARCH YOUR PROPERTY
Unless you have solid evidence DO NOT ASSUME that your dog was stolen, it dramatically limits your search options
IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG HAS BEEN STOLEN
do not let suspicion of theft limit your search options. If you have proof, contact the local Police.
MAKE YOURSELF EASY TO REACH
Make sure your phone is charged and handy at all times for incoming calls. Check your email SPAM or JUNK box as often as your inbox, vital information can end up there.
SEARCH SURROUNDING AREAS
Walk around the neighbourhood, visit places that your dog likes when you take it for a walk (parks, houses with dogs, the place with the cat that your dog always wanted but never had the freedom to chase, etc). Take your dog's favourite squeaky toy with you, make sounds and keep calling out for it
DISTRIBUTE FLYERS
Click here and then 'Print Flyer' under your dog's image. Place them around the area including your neighbours’ mailboxes, local supermarkets, schools, parks, shops, clubs and etc
LEAVE SCENTED ITEM OUTSIDE
Leave an item of worn clothing (scented), a toy or a dog bed outside your house or at the place where your dog was last seen (leave a note so that no one takes or moves those things)
LEAVE FOOD AND WATER OUTSIDE
Start leaving food and water outside to ensure your dog has access to food and water if you are not home.
TALK TO NEIGHBOURS
Not everyone will surrender a dog they found to a vet or a pound trying to save owners from the pound release fees. Let people know you are actively looking for your dog by door knocking or targeting them with a Pet Alert.
FOLLOW UP WITH VETS
Call your local vet and make sure that they have a record of your lost dog. Call as many other local vets as you can or target them with a Pet Alert.
FILE LOST REPORT WITH COUNCIL
Regardless if your dog is registered with the local council or not, call them and find out if they accept lost pet reports. Make sure they have your current contact details on file. This may also help you reduce the impound fees if your dog ends up at the pound.
VISIT THE POUND IN PERSON!
Do not rely on phone, online descriptions, pictures or microchips. Start visiting the pound in person regularly and ask to see both surrendered dogs and dogs for adoption.
UPDATE MICROCHIP DETAILS
Call the vet that helped you register your microchip in the past. For more information on microchips click here.
SEARCH AT DUSK AND DAWN
Do a 3-4 am search. It is the most quiet time when you are most likely to spot any movement or hear a sound your dog makes and your dog is more likely to hear you calling.
POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Request your facebook post on our wall via Contact Us or issue a Pet Alert to take advantage of the facebook BOOST to increase the exposure even further.
SHARE YOUR POST FAR AND WIDE
Share your post to as many local communities as you can. Click here for the list of places you can share your post to.
KEEP CHECKING LOST & FOUND
Very often people will post your dog on LPF's LOST & FOUND when they find it. Make sure you do not miss it.
Most importantly - The "Secret" to finding any lost dog is to let as many people and pet professionals know as soon as possible about its disappearance. Let us help you!
For more useful information please check our RESOURCES.
"I was glad to find your website when she ran away from home last year. I found it easy to use and I would use it again and recommend it to anyone if the need arose."
Ingrid & Sarah
"We lost our beautiful boy about 9 months ago...we were absolutely devastated as we were about to embark on an extended camping trip around Queensland! Thankfully after registering with Lost Pet Finders we were reunited with Zulu after only a few days!! Fully recommend!!"
Candy & Zulu
"Schipperke is back home and grudgingly sharing her favourite chair. Even the neighbours received a text, and they were on holiday"
Mary & Cirsium
"Thanks to your business we luckily located him last year when he went missing after a storm. It's great to have a support network like your business and I have/will always recommend your website to all my friends with pets."
Estelle & Nero
"We were contacted by a neighbour within 40 minutes of the alert being sent out and reunited with our boy. A fantastic service I can't recommend enough!!!"
Rebecca & Leon
"I just wanted to say thank you for the quality services, for being reliable , quick and with affordable cost. Additionally with all of the Lost Pet Finders Members YOU are very kind and caring – There’s no word to express my appreciation. Thank You "
Ezza & Ricco
"'Dad absolutely loves his dogs, so when Ringa went missing during the time of thunder storms, I was just so pleased to have found your website.
It was comforting knowing that other animal lovers within and around our area, were on the watch for Ringa.
Many people within our street received the telephone call, which then provided us with a far greater scope to find him.
Within 24 hours, a lovely lady had spotted him and both Dad and Ringa were reunited.
I’ve kept involved with Lost Pet Finders & when I receive an alert of a pet missing in my area, I’m certainly on the lookout.
There’s nothing better than reuniting our beautiful fur babies with their owners.
Thanks for a wonderful service! '"
Ray & Ringa
