If you ever find yourself in a situation where your furry friend is on the loose, try to remain calm…
Things to do beforehand to be prepared for this situation: Create a flyer with the dog’s photo, his name and your phone numbers (and possibly mention of a reward). If your dog is lost, distribute the flyer door-to-door and post it everywhere possible. Have the name of your local animal control and humane society phone numbers handy. Make sure family members, friends and neighbors have your cell phone & home phone to call while you search.
When your pet escapes: If possible (while you are searching) have a family member or friend call your local Humane Society, Animal Control Office, Veterinarian, & and the microchip company that your pet is registered with immediately. Time is critical when an animal becomes lost. When an animal is frightened it is more likely to run farther distances (the fight-or-flight syndrome) and is less likely to be social with strangers, making them more difficult to catch.
Take these steps without delay:
* Check the immediate surroundings first, look in your yard and all neighboring yards.
* Enlist your neighbors in the search.
* If your dog likes car rides, drive around your neighborhood calling the dog’s name, hoping that he will run from where he is and jump into the car. Just be sure that you don’t call your dog into incoming traffic.
* Tell everyone you see you are looking for your dog and to induce the dog to enter an open garage or fenced backyard. (give everyone your pre-prepared flyer).
* It may be best to pursue the dog by foot because you can go between homes and take unpredictable routes, just as your dog is likely to have done. Alert people as you go.
*If you spot your dog, DO NOT CHASE HIM! If your dog is enjoying his adventure, he will think you are playing and will run from you. The best chance for you to safely get his attention is to stop running, drop to the ground and call your dog. If you and your dog took obedience classes and he responds to sit orstay, you have an advantage if he remembers his training commands.
Following these steps should aid you in bringing your pet home, safely! Best of luck.
After you pet is home safely, take a moment to call back your local Humane Society, Animal Control Office, Veterinarian, & and the microchip company to let them know that your pet is home, safe & sound!!!
