LOST DOG Checklist

MY DOG IS LOST! What do I do??

• RIGHT NOW
  • Organize your info.
    • Who is the primary contact?
      • Pick one number, add to ALL signs/flyers/posts
      • Turn on all alerts
      • Disable do not disturb settings, etc.
      • Answer all unknown calls.
    • If someone finds your dog that doesn’t live in your neighborhood, how will they find you?
      • Add Dog’s name and your phone number to the TOP of every post so it can be searched within groups.
      • Check posts frequently, report all sightings to HCRR.
• ONGOING
  • PATIENCE is the name of the game. It’s the hardest part, but it’s vital that you follow our guidelines, otherwise you could unintentionally sabotage the process.
  • DO NOT CHASE
  • We need sightings! After a few days, your dog isn’t likely to come when called, especially by strangers.
  • Lost Dog Behavior changes things. Your dog may not act how you expect, they frequently go into survival mode, so what you knew may be out the window.
• SIGHTINGS
  • Encourage people to call if seen, get date/time of sighting, ask people to get photos if able.
  • Strangers should not try to get your pet to come to them. HOWEVER, if the pet DOES come to them, securing it IMMEDIATELY is key! Dogs frequently get found, contained in yards then hop fences, dig out, etc. Then it’s back to square one. Encourage people to bring them inside if found and call IMMEDIATELY!
• MAPPING
  • We map sightings, including locations of signs, flyers, EVERYTHING! It helps us ensure we’re covering all bases. Times/Dates/Addresses of sightings is CRITICAL!
• TRAPS
  • We use live traps when appropriate. These traps must be monitored VERY closely. We WILL NOT place traps when they cannot be checked in a timely manner. We also will not place traps without sightings. We need to know your pet is nearby otherwise we’ll trap every other critter in the area and it defeats the purpose.