Initial Advice For Lost Dog Owners

If your dog does go missing or is lost, the faster you can act the better your chance of a speedy reunite with your furry friend.

Below you can see the advice we offer for the very early stages of your lost dog situation:

LOST DOG INITIAL ADVICE

DO NOT SHOUT OR CHASE YOUR DOG AND ENSURE NOBODY ELSE DOES.
IF YOU SPOT A LOST DOG REMAIN CALM, GO DOWN LOW OR SIT AND AVOID DIRECT EYE CONTACT.
ALLOW THE DOG TO COME TO YOU IF IT WANTS TO.

Remain as close as you can to the spot where you lost sight of your dog. Lost dogs often circle and return to the lost point.

If you have travelled to the walk in a vehicle, then it’s possible your dog may return to the vehicle.
Switch on the engine, put windows down and sit quietly observing.

If you ask people to search the area, ask them not to shout or chase but to observe and report sightings and the direction of travel to the owners.

IF YOUR DOG IS LOST CLOSE TO ITS HOME:

ENSURE GARDEN GATES AND ACCESS TO THE HOUSE IS AVAILABLE
HANG A SCENT ITEM OF YOUR CLOTHING/BEDDING ON YOUR FENCE OR LOW DOWN ON A BUSH/TREE

Dogs lost close to home tend to return home in darkness and when the environment is quieter. This is why it’s so important your dog has access.

Contact the Dog Warden and local Vets:

Barnsley Dog Warden
07467 14 73 33

Doncaster Dog Warden
01302 73 60 00

Sheffield Dog Warden
01142 03 74 10

Rotherham Dog Warden
01709 33 60 03

Post on local Facebook Groups (but be alert to dog theft).

Local Facebook Groups are a great way to quickly spread the word that there is a lost dog and for the local community to let you know of any sightings quickly.

However, do be mindful of how much detail and what information you chose to share to reduce the risk of dog theft.

Contact your Microchip Company: it’s important to let your Microchip Company that your dog is missing or stolen.