Lost Dog Information and Solutions
Unfortunately, dogs are often lost or stolen. There are a number of practical steps, however, that you can take to prevent loss. Choosing the most suitable method will depend on your personal needs, circumstances and preferences.
Make sure that yard enclosures are tall enough to prevent dogs and people from getting in and out. Any openings should lock on both sides. Holes or breaks in fences should not be large enough for body parts to fit through. Some dogs will pull-on young hands or feet that protrude into their space.
Keep your dog on a leash in crowded or unfamiliar places. Teach your dog obedience commands such as heel and stay. The more control you have over the dog, the less likely it will stray or run away. Sterilizing your dog can also help prevent loss by eliminating the temptation to seek out potential mates.
Opportunistic thieves will often steal dogs (especially purebreds) for resale, often to laboratories or unethical pet owners. It is very difficult to recover stolen dogs, though different forms of identification will assist their return.
All dogs should wear tags that are well-secured to a collar. Metal tags often have plenty of information. The most critical element is your phone including the area code. Many people also include an emergency veterinarian or shelter number for times when they are not home. There is some debate about whether to include the dog’s name, since this information may be used to coax the dog into accompanying a thief. On the other hand, it can also help rescuers approach the dog. You may also consider excluding your name or address as a safety precaution. You may want to include the words “reward offered.’ without specifying an amount. This incentive often encourages people to contact you.
A permanent option is the microchip. A tiny microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is inserted under the skin between the shoulder blades. It can be read with a scanner, revealing a code number that matches information maintained in a data registry. The insertion process takes about two minutes and the chip becomes permanently embedded. To date, the insertion of chips has never led to medical complications. The technique should be performed by professional in a sanitary situation. You can keep your registration current by paying annual fees and providing up-to-date information. The disadvantage of microchips is that no national standard exists, meaning that many scanners cannot read chips created by other companies, rendering them ineffective.
If your dog does disappear and you cannot find it within a few hours, report the loss to the police, your veterinarian and the local shelters. Alerting these organizations may help you find the dog faster and ensure that it is protected upon recovery.
Posting flyers in the neighborhood may also help. Losing a dog can be painful and even traumatic. Take steps early to prevent this unfortunate situation.