Losing your dog from your home can be a stressful and emotional experience, but staying calm and taking the right actions can significantly increase the chances of their safe return. Many dogs find their way back on their own, especially overnight, so it’s important to take early action while also leaving opportunities for them to return.
This guide is divided into two key stages:
Immediate actions to take at home – Steps you should follow as soon as you notice your dog is missing.
What to do once you’ve confirmed they are no longer at home – Expanding your search, notifying local authorities, and getting the community involved.
Stage 1: Immediate Actions at Home
Before assuming your dog is lost, thoroughly check your property and take actions that might help guide them back.
Search Inside and Outside Your Home Thoroughly
Dogs are excellent at hiding, especially when they are frightened or unwell. Even if you think they have escaped, check:
Inside the house – Under beds, behind furniture, in cupboards, and any other hidden spaces.
Garage, shed, and greenhouse – Dogs can become accidentally trapped inside.
Garden and outdoor spaces – Look under bushes, behind bins, or in any small gaps they could have squeezed into.
Check Your Fencing, Gates, and Entry Points
Inspect your garden for any broken fence panels, gaps, or holes where your dog might have squeezed through. If the gate was left open, ask household members if they remember leaving it open and also check any ring doorbell / CCTV camera footage you have.
Call Your Dog’s Name and Use Familiar Sounds
Walk around your garden and the immediate area calling your dog’s name in a calm, happy tone. Shake their food bowl, tap their favourite treat container, or squeak their favourite toy. If they have a recall command, such as "Come" or "Here," use it repeatedly.
Ask Household Members and Neighbours
Check with everyone in the house if they’ve seen or heard anything. Knock on neighbours' doors and ask them to check their gardens, sheds, and garages in case your dog has wandered in and become stuck.
If you are confident they are not at home, move on to the next steps.
Stage 2: What to Do Once You’ve Confirmed Your Dog is No Longer at Home
If your search has confirmed that your dog has left your property, it’s time to expand your efforts beyond your home.
Widen Your Search Around Your Local Area
Walk or drive around your neighbourhood and any nearby parks, fields, or common dog-walking routes. Look under cars, behind bins, and in quiet spaces where a scared or confused dog may hide. Call their name as you walk, but avoid shouting some dogs go into "survival mode" and may not respond to loud noises. Bring treats and their favourite toy to attract them.
Check CCTV and Doorbell Cameras for Sightings
If your neighbours have security cameras or Ring doorbells, check the footage for signs of your dog’s direction of travel. If your area has local shops or businesses, ask if they have CCTV that might show your dog passing by.
Notify Local Authorities and Organisations
Report your dog missing to:
Local vets and rescue centres – Someone may have handed your dog in.
Your dog’s microchip provider – Ensure your contact details are correct and report them as missing.
Your local dog warden – They may have picked up a stray dog matching your description.
Use Social Media and Online Networks
Posting on social media can help spread the word quickly. Include:
A recent, clear photo of your dog.
The location and time they went missing.
Any distinctive features (collar, harness, markings).
A contact number (be aware of scam calls).
Ask for that no one calls or chases your dog, but phones you immediately with details
Post on:
Local Facebook Lost and Found Pet groups.
Nextdoor, a community-based app where neighbours can alert each other.
WhatsApp or community group chats.
DogLost.co.uk, a UK-wide missing pet database.
Print and Distribute Posters
If your dog is still missing after a few hours, print large, clear posters with a photo, description, and contact details. Place posters in local shops, post offices, vet clinics, and community centres. Attach them to lampposts and park noticeboards in areas where people regularly walk dogs.
Leave Doors and Gates Open Where Safe
Many dogs return home on their own, particularly at night when it’s quieter. If possible:
Leave the back door open so they can come inside.
Keep the garden gate open (if safe to do so) to allow them to return.
Place their bed, blanket, and a worn item of your clothing outside to help them pick up familiar scents.
Leave strong-smelling food (such as tuna, sardines, or warm chicken) near the entrance to encourage them back.
Responding to Sightings
If someone spots your dog, go to the area quietly and avoid sudden movements. Do not chase them this can make them run further away. Sit on the ground and use a gentle voice, encouraging them with food, avoid direct eye contact. This process could take a while so be patient.
Preventing Future Escapes
Once your dog is safely home, take steps to secure your property and prevent another incident.
Secure fencing – Check for weak spots, reinforce panels, and block gaps.
Install a secure gate latch to prevent accidental openings.
Use a GPS collar tracker – we recommend this one - TrakkPro
Final Thoughts: Stay Hopeful and Keep Searching
Losing a dog is distressing, but most are found safe and well. The key is to act quickly, involve the community, and remain persistent.
Stay proactive, keep spreading the word, and don’t give up.
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