Find Lost Dogs

Immediate Steps to Take

It may sound silly, but you may want to take a look in your own back yard – both literally and figuratively. Dogs have an unnatural talent at wedging themselves into the weirdest hiding spots, be it the gap underneath a shed or maybe even the space between the house and a fence. Look under beds, behind furniture, in your herb garden, maybe even in laundry baskets. 

If you’ve got a particularly small dog, they might be tucked away in something you pass by all the time and you wouldn’t even notice them. 

After successfully ruling out your own property, you can expand your search to other areas where you and your dog frequent. Call your dog’s name in the same calm, friendly voice that you use to call them normally. A scared, skittish dog will likely bolt if you’re panicked when calling out to them. 

You can also try whistling or using the same sound you make when calling them for dinner or treats, basically anything familiar that triggers an immediate response and coaxes them out of wherever they’ve been hiding. 

Food is another great tool to use when searching for a lost dog – you can leave out their favourite treats, their full water bowl, anything that smells strongly of their home. Do this in an open space where your dog will be easy to spot and they can approach without getting surprised. Dogs are famous for their sense of smell, and these familiar scents can entice them to come back. 

While you’re out and about, chat with your neighbours and anybody who frequents your neighbourhood. Posties, deliverymen, and other dog owners are all prime candidates to spot your pooch. 

If there’s still no luck, widen your search.

Expanding the Search: Where to Look

Okay, it’s time to start covering more ground. Dogs are individuals and will react differently to getting lost – some will hunker down in familiar spaces, while others will succumb to their wanderlust and go off on unexpected adventures. 

First thing to do is to check places where dogs are normally found. Parks, walking/jogging trails, or anywhere else you’ve been together recently. Does your dog have a favourite place to go that isn’t near your neighbourhood? There’s a fair chance that they’ve made their way towards it. 

Check under porches along your usual path, or even dense shrubbery – basically anywhere safe a frightened or tired dog might try to take cover. In areas near busy roads, check along side paths but be careful of traffic. 

Local shelters and council pounds will also be helpful, but go quickly. There are usually holding periods for strays, so if your dog has been taken to a shelter or pound it’s only a matter of time before they’re rehomed or transferred somewhere else. 

Vet clinics and pet stores are also an outside chance, as many people who find dogs are more familiar with these locations rather than the local shelters. It’s not surprising – these are places where animals are cared for. 

As a last measure, phone the local council and animal control offices – they might have records of found animals, so if your dog has been reported wandering in your area, they might already be aware. 

If all of this comes up empty, it’s time to take the search online.

Using Online Resources to Spread the Word

The internet is an important resource when it comes to finding a lost dog. Getting buzz on social media can get thousands of eyes looking for your pet. Start by posting on lost pet websites like PetsForHomes. Even local community groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter can be a great place to go. Include: 

• A clear, high-quality photo of your dog (preferably one that shows their full body and any unique markings).
• Their last known location and the time they went missing.
• Your contact details, making it easy for anyone with information to reach you quickly.

Encourage friends and family to share your post – the more eyes on it, the better. Many lost dogs are found because someone recognises them from a post they scrolled past earlier in the day.

What to Do If Someone Finds Your Dog

The moment you get that call or message saying, “I think I’ve found your dog,” your heart will probably skip a beat. But before rushing off, take a few precautions to make sure everything checks out.

First, ask for a description or a quick video of the dog. Some people genuinely want to help but might mistake another pet for yours, especially if it’s a common breed or similar colour. If the markings, collar, or size don’t match up, it’s best to keep looking.

If everything lines up, arrange to meet the person in a safe, public place rather than giving them your home address. A local vet clinic or even a park works well – it’s a neutral space and gives you a chance to check over your dog before heading home.

When you arrive, bring proof of ownership just in case. Vet records, photos, microchip details, or even old videos on your phone can help confirm that the dog is yours. If your dog is microchipped, you can also have a vet scan them on the spot.

If the person genuinely helped reunite you with your dog, don’t forget to thank them properly. If you promised a reward, follow through with it. Even a small thank-you gesture – like a gift card or some chocolates – goes a long way in showing appreciation.