How to proceed when a dog runs astray?

Stay as long as possible on the same spot

Ideally, stay as long as possible, at the spot where your dog got lost, ideally for a few hours, trying to look for your companion. You can ask passers-by for help, as their help often becomes invaluable. Dogs are usually trying to return on their own, so if you stay in place, there is a big chance to your hairy four-legged four legged soon. If you still have to leave that place, try to return to it as soon as possible and go on searching.

The mighty power of the Internet

Today, social networks also have great power. If you know about a local neighborhood Facebook group, try sharing your problem there. You will see that you might get a lot of help. Try the social networks power in other groups focussing on dogs as well. For example, try groups dealing with specific breeds. You may be rejected due to these groups´ advertising policies, but you never know who will read the post and how it can help you.

Don't forget the officers

The next step is to get in touch with the competent authorities. Even the municipal police can help you and will take your phone number to be able to call you if new information about your pet appears. Additionally, the municipal city police is also the body called by those who find an abandoned dog. Thus, if you provide enough credentials, there is a very decent chance of success.

It is good to call the National Register of Animal Owners, especially if your dog is chipped. All you have to do is telling the registry staff your dog's chip number and reporting your contact data. Thanks to this, information about your dog will spread into the world more easily. Some National Register of Animal Owners services are free of charge, others, such as connections with shelters, are paid.

Get in touch with nearby shelters

Don't forget the abandoned animal shelters in your vicinity. This is where dogs found without an owner are brought to, either by municipal police officers or, for example, by a conscious citizen. Furthermore, these shelters usually follow strict animal identification regulations, so it is possible that it will be them to detect your lost dog.

Local authorities can also help

Don't forget the municipal authorities either, as it is them who are in charge of capturing the animals. Even if your dog will not yet have been captured, you will at least further disseminate this information to have a better chance of success again. If the dog runs astray in the woods, try to get in touch with the relevant hunting association, which can help you with the search.