The dog is lost

When we take our beloved pet for a walk, the last thing we think about is getting lost. Unfortunately, no one is immune to this, even if they're wearing a collar and leash. An unexpected external factor, such as a rattling tram or firecrackers exploding in the park on New Year's Eve, can ruin your plans for a relaxing walk, even if your dog reacts unpredictably. In this article, we'll discuss what to do when your dog goes missing: what works, what doesn't, and how to protect yourself from this misfortune in the future.

"I'm completely exhausted today - my puppy is missing."

Sergei Mikhalkov

How to find a missing dog: classifieds

Finding a missing dog is a challenging task and will require a lot of time and effort. So what should a hapless owner do if their dog goes missing?

• First, you need to walk or drive around your neighborhood. Inform all dog owners you know and meet about your problem, describing your dog's appearance and distinguishing features in detail: breed, gender, height, age, collar color, name, where and when the dog went missing.
• It would also be useful to tell grandmothers at their doorsteps and mothers walking with their children about the lost dog.
• Prepare small cards with your name and phone number so that you can be contacted if a similar dog is found.

Stock up on plenty of color photos of your pet: you'll be handing them out in the coming days.

Missing dog notice

Write a clear and compelling missing dog poster: include not only a description of your dog's appearance, but also its habits, habits, and favorite treats. In addition to the dog's name, be sure to include any playful or affectionate names you call it. A photo, or preferably more than one, is also a must. Include all phone numbers where you can be reached. Don't forget to mention a reward for whoever finds and returns your dog.

According to statistics, 20-30% of lost dogs are found through ads.

Found a Dog: The Importance of Ads When Searching

Often, when the problem doesn't concern us, we come across ads about lost dogs, and we might miss them. But it's important to understand that your dog may already have been found, and the person who found it is also looking for you through those same ads.

Ads for found dogs

Post flyers in the entryways of nearby buildings, at public transportation stops, at post offices, Sberbank branches, in clinics, pet stores, veterinary clinics, pharmacies, and schools in your area. Always have printed flyers on hand: the flyers you posted yesterday could have been covered with other flyers overnight, so you'll need to check and update them regularly.

Word of mouth

Schoolchildren are a vital resource in the search for a missing pet. Distribute photos of your pet to students at nearby schools, offering a reward for information about the dog. Call, or better yet, visit, dog shelters and animal control agencies. In Moscow, if a dog goes missing and ends up in a shelter, it will be held for no more than 72 hours; after that time, the animal will most likely be euthanized.

A dog has been found. Don't forget to monitor similar ads online and in newspapers. This is also an important part of the dog search.

Social media

Social media is one of the most effective resources for finding a runaway animal. The "six degrees of separation" or "six clicks" theory applies: every share of your post about a missing dog increases the chances of finding it tenfold. There are also numerous groups on VK, Facebook, and Odnoklassniki that will be happy to share your lost dog announcement.

Especially use local groups (city, district, street, or local organizations) to post your ad. After all, if a dog goes missing near your home, there's a high chance it's still nearby and someone local has seen it.

Interactive system for finding missing dogs

Another effective tool for finding lost dogs and cats is the website www.mypets-en.decorexpro.com, which appeared relatively recently but has already become an important resource for pet owners to find and return a missing dog or cat.

By registering on the website, you can post a free ad, indicating the location of your dog's disappearance and describing its appearance and characteristics. The ad will appear on your city's map as an icon. Clicking it will display a description and photo of the dog, the area and address where the dog went missing, and other useful information. The system is constantly being improved.

Forewarned is forearmed

Even an insurance policy can't guarantee that your dog won't get lost or run away while out for a walk. Therefore, we recommend following a few tips to make finding your missing dog easier:

• Place a tag on your dog's collar with its name and your phone number. Pet stores also sell special tags with a card inside that can be used to write information about the dog and the owner, including your address and phone number.
• Don't skimp on microchipping: it will make it easier for various services, including shelters, stray animal control services, and veterinary clinics, to find and identify your animal.
• Do not let your dog off the leash when crossing the street, as well as near shopping centers, markets, and on public transport.
• Don't leash your dog in crowded areas, such as near stores, public transportation stops, or on commuter train platforms. Even if your dog isn't planning on running away, it could become a target for thieves or criminals, especially if it's a purebred.

• Keep a close eye on your dog while walking, especially during the period of “dog weddings” and struggle for leadership in the group.
• Get your pet used to the area where you usually walk. Vary your walking routes, and make sure your dog knows that the house can be approached from any direction, so it's not a surprise.

It makes sense to expand the geography of walks so that the animal has an idea of ​​where and in which direction home is. Unfortunately, unlike stray dogs, domesticated dogs are poorly oriented in the city and are practically unable to adapt to street life.

Even if your dog is missing, don't despair or give up! Your pet will definitely be found and returned to you.