STEP 1 - Go to www.lostandpound.com
To start with, post a picture and description of your dog to www.lostandpound.com. Upon entering this information, a LOST PET ALERT is automatically sent to the Lost and Pound network. That’s really important because all sorts of organizations and people participate in the network. There are veterinarians, animal shelters, pet businesses, rescue groups, police stations, fire stations, media outlets, and people like you, who belong to the Lost and Pound network.
In addition to the automatic alert that gets emailed to thousands of organizations and people within the Lost and Pound network, you can also print a LOST DOG poster with the click of a button. Not only is www.lostandpound.com very easy to use but it is also FREE.
STEP 2 - Canvas the area and plaster LOST DOG posters
The next step is canvasing the area where they were last seen. When dogs get outside and they are fearful they can run quite a distance. Recruit your friends, family, and neighbors to post the LOST DOG poster and look for your pooch. Continue to widen the area - walk and drive day and night looking for your dog in the area you think he might be. Call him, bring his toy to squeak. Bring treats and an extra leash. Most likely a dog will be out early in the morning to afternoon and sleeping at night If you have another pet take them outside on a leash to entice the missing pet with their scent.
STEP 3 - Check with local shelters
Hundreds of shelters throughout the United States are part of the Lost and Pound network. You will need to personally check out the main shelters in your area because they are where strays are taken and some of them only give the strays 3-5 days to be claimed - if he was not microchipped they will not know he is owned. Shelters can consist of humane societies, animal care and control facilities, ASPCA facilities, welfare leagues or anti-cruelty societies.
For example, in Chicago, the three main shelters where you should immediately start your search are:
Animal Care and Control - 27th and Western - 312-744-5000
Animal Welfare League - Chicago Ridge - 773-667-0088
The Anti-Cruelty Society - Grand and LaSalle - 312-644-8338
STEP 4 - Be persistent
Don’t give up - some pets have been found after months of being lost!
3 Comments
Thanks for the useful information!
Yes, great info. Been there, done that, mostly for animals I have found. Now it is my turn to look for my old ‘yeller’ dog who wandered off while unloading the truck at my new house. We have only been here about almost 2 weeks. One way to meet the neighbors. The ad comes out tomorrow in the local paper, and the posters go up tomorrow as well.
Echo is 18 years old and deaf, not an age or disability you want in a lost dog. He suffered a slight stroke a few months back and just got him back to health!
Please say a prayer for him to make it back home!
Thanks… Wendy : (
Good luck, Wendy! Be sure to print lots and lots of posters from lostandpound.com and plaster them all over the area. Also, check the found section frequently as someone may have found Echo and posted him on the site.
Our thoughts are with you!