In Case Your Dog Returns Home
Leave food and water outside the door normally used when walking the dog, as well as something with a familiar scent such as the dog's blanket, crate, toy, owner's smelly shirt or used pillowcase. Try to keep items dry. Dogs may return to where they bolted from at any time, familiar place or not, and you should be prepared.
Your Dog is probably closer than you think...
Although dogs can go great distances in a short amount of time, many seem to stay in a 3-mile radius from the spot where they bolted, establishing a home range. Follow the same routes used previously when walking the dog. Go for an on-leash walk with another dog from home, a dog friend or same breed dog. Act happy but calm and get the other dog to bark occasionally. A lost dog, if close by, might hear the barking and come out to greet the other dog. If you find dog tracks, walk beside and not on them. When tracking, be discreet. Walk quietly and talk in soft, reassuring tones except in woods with bear and moose. Be aware of hunting seasons and never trespass. Searchers should always carry a leash and basic bait food like hot dogs, string cheese, and luncheon meats. Bring a favorite toy if your dog likes them. Bring extra clothes if you plan to be out for any length of time
Call Your Animal Control Officer
Call surrounding towns’ Animal Control Officer (ACO) immediately, no matter what the hour. If necessary, leave a message. You can call a town Police Department's non-emergency number to get the name and phone number of each ACO. The ACO may be full or part time. Some towns may share one individual; big cities may have several. Ask who picks up dogs hit by cars. Get a flyer with picture and a separate sheet with more information to them as soon as possible. They will need detailed descriptions. Ask the ACO to notify you as soon as possible regarding any calls about stray dogs that generally match your dog's description.
Notify Your Neighborhood
Besides your immediate neighborhood, there are many places to look. Get flyers to police dispatch, veterinarians, shelters and rescue groups, kennels, dog groomers, dog walkers, dog sitters, feed and farm and pet supply stores in area. Visit restaurants, rubbish transfer stations or local dump. Go to doughnut shops, convenience food stores, golf courses, amusement parks, airports, senior centers, churches, libraries, fire stations, athletic fields and junkyards. Contact the managers of the Department of Public Works, Highway, Parks and Recreation, School Grounds, Cable, Gas and Electric companies and give them a flyer for their employees to view. Tape flyers on your vehicle while in area for maximum exposure and publicity.
Local Newspaper Support
A brief ad with picture in local newspaper is helpful. See if your local free paper will run an ad for you. The newspaper carriers might help by giving flyers to their customers.
Communicate Personally (sample handout)
Stay ahead of your dog and go to homes within a 3-mile radius to hand out flyers. Skip around if necessary, but cover key areas. Be sure to post at intersections, school districts and athletic fields. If you have time and helpers, the search area can be expanded immediately or as needed. It is better to talk to people in the area than to stuff a mailbox (not legal). Leave flyers on windshields, under flowerpots, in newspaper bins, etc. Give flyers to people walking dogs, joggers, walkers, mail delivery trucks, FED EX, UPS, landscapers, construction crews and rubbish/recycling trucks. Smile, be polite, courteous and always on a positive note. Go to search areas with flyers at different times throughout the day and evening. Make people aware that they are vital to successful lost dog search efforts. Explain to pet owners that their pets may be aware of a lost dog before them. Reinforce Do Not Chase - Call Us. Tell everyone if they see flyers posted, the dog is still missing.