Lost dog: what to do right now

Start now, from where they were last seen

Go straight back to the spot your dog was last seen and search outward in widening loops. Bring the leash, strong-smelling treats, a favorite toy and a phone with a recent photo. If your dog has a doggy friend they love, bring that dog too: dogs are often drawn to familiar dogs.

Keep someone at home with the door watched. Many dogs find their way back on their own, often within hours.

Never chase a lost dog

A loose dog that is frightened may run from anyone, including you. Chasing turns it into a game or a threat and pushes them further away, sometimes into traffic.

If you spot your dog, stop. Crouch or sit down sideways, avoid staring, and speak in a quiet, happy voice. Toss a treat a little way from you and let them come closer in their own time. Some owners have success lying down on the ground, which looks completely unthreatening. Once your dog is close and calm, gently take the collar or clip the leash on.

Ask everyone helping to follow the same rule. If someone sees your dog, they should call you and keep watching from a distance rather than trying to grab them.

Spread the word quickly

Post your dog in StraySync with a clear photo and where they were last seen. People nearby who turned on alerts are notified, and new sightings in the area are automatically compared with your photo. Share the post in local neighborhood, community and lost-pet groups as well.

Talk to people out walking dogs, joggers, delivery drivers, shopkeepers and anyone who works outdoors. They see a lot, and a printed poster on their phone or in their hand helps them recognise your dog.

Shelters, animal control and vets

Report your dog as missing to every shelter, animal control service and vet clinic in the area, and to neighboring areas too, because dogs can travel and be taken to a different shelter. Visit shelters in person every day or two: descriptions over the phone can miss a match.

If your dog is microchipped, contact the registry to report them missing and confirm your contact details are up to date.

Posters that work

Use one large photo, LOST DOG in big letters, the area and date last seen, and a phone number readable from a distance. Put posters up at road junctions, near parks, schools and shops, and at the vets and pet shops nearby. Tear-off tabs with your number make it easy for people to call later.

Use scent, water and quiet time

Leave a piece of clothing you have worn, your dog's bed and a bowl of water at the place they were last seen and outside your home. A tired, scared dog may come back to a familiar smell, especially at night or early in the morning when it is quiet.

If there have been sightings in one area, go there at quiet times, sit down and wait. Dogs in survival mode often won't come to people they don't know, so the owner's presence and voice matter.

Be careful with people asking for money

Unfortunately, lost-pet posts attract scammers who claim to have your dog and ask for a deposit, a delivery fee or a reward before you see them. Never pay before you see your dog in person. Ask for a current photo or a video call, meet somewhere public and bring someone with you.

When your dog is home

Check them over for injuries, offer water and a small meal, and call your vet if anything seems wrong. Then mark your post as found so neighbors can stop searching, thank the people who helped and take down your posters.