Lost Dog Help: What to Do Right Now

Lost Dog: Your First 24 Hours, Step by Step

1. Search close to home first, on foot. Bring treats, a squeaky toy, and call in a calm voice. Check hiding spots, sheds and garages, and ask neighbors (ASPCA).
2. Leave familiar scents out: the dog's bed or your worn clothing by the door (a common tip).
3. Call your microchip registry and report the dog missing; confirm your phone number is current. Not sure which registry? Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup.
4. Contact and visit local shelters and animal control in person. Descriptions over the phone can be wrong, so go look, daily (ASPCA).
5. Post online: neighborhood apps, local lost-and-found pet groups, and shelter lost-pet pages.
6. Put up flyers (see flyer checklist).

Prevention: how to keep your dog from getting lost on Halloween, Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.

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