Finding your LOST Dog

FINDING YOUR LOST DOG

Mackenzie’s Recommended Check List

First Things First

• If your dog has a microchip, contact the microchip company
• Contact all area Humane Societies, Animal Shelters, & Rescue groups within at least 20 miles of where the dog was last seen
• Call the larger shelters daily
• Physically visit & check at the shelter daily, if at all possible
• Contact local veterinarians
• Find out if your dog has been injured on the road – contact City, County, & State road departments, DOT, & Animal Control

Post “Lost Dog” flyers everywhere within a MINIMUM of a 3 mile radius. A high percentage of lost dogs are found over 10 miles from home! Post at dog runs & parks, stores, gas stations, grocery stores, vets offices, groomers, trainers, dog walkers, on trees, lampposts, etc. Cover heavily in the area where the dog was last seen. Be sure to obtain permission before posting flyers on private property.

• Put a “Lost Dog” ad in area newspapers
• Post an ad on http://www.mlive.com
• Call radio, TV, & cable stations – ask them to run an announcement
• Drive or walk around the neighborhood. Ask friends & neighbors to check under porches, in sheds, garages, etc. (Bring a photo of your dog to show them or hand them a flyer.) Remember to leave a phone number.
• E-mail local friends & family members – have them share the information
• Post messages to animal forums & message boards run by groups based in your area – some parks and dog runs have online communities.

Search for & register your dog at online sites, such as:

• http://www.lostpetusa.net
• http://www.petfinder.com
• http://www.dogdetective.com/lost-dogs.cfm
• http://www.lostfoundpets.us
• http://www.fidofinder.com
• http://www.mypethunter.com
• http://www.michigan.local.com
• http://www.missingpet.net

DON’T GIVE UP! Remember a lot of lost animals find their way home.

LOST DOG FLYERS should include:

• LOST DOG as the Title
• Photo
• Breed, sex, color, age, weight
• Distinguishing features
• Collar type/color
• Tags – license, rabies, microchip, I.D.; tattoo
• Where & when last seen
• Your name and two (2) phone numbers

Tips on what to do when your pet is FOUND

• Always make sure your pet always has proper identification
• Activated Microchip with Tag on collar
• Current Rabies Tag on collar
• Owner ID Tag on collar with Name and Phone Number
• Never allow you pets to roam free
• Create an outside physically fenced in area. It’s one more precaution for your dog to have a safe place to go when it’s time to go outside.
• Make sure all gates and doors are securely lacked & locked.
• Always Spay & Neuter – Pets are less likely to roam.