My dog is missing — what should I do?

Start close, then coordinate

Check the house, garden, hiding places and secure buildings thoroughly. Return safely to the last confirmed location; ask nearby people to check their own sheds, garages and outbuildings. Ask permission before entering land. Keep one person reachable by phone and record confirmed sightings with time, location and direction of travel. Organise people so everyone is not searching the same place.

A frightened dog needs space

Do not run after, surround or repeatedly call at a dog moving away. Ask witnesses to report sightings rather than pursue. A familiar person may be able to wait quietly at a safe distance and allow the dog to approach voluntarily. Do not leave unsafe bait, enter hazardous areas or set a trap without specialist advice. Seek experienced recovery assistance through the local authority or recognised rescue; tactics depend on the dog and surroundings.

Notify the right organisations

Contact the registered microchip database to flag the dog missing and verify your telephone numbers. A chip is identification, not GPS. Contact the local council/dog warden, neighbouring authorities where relevant, vets and rescues. Police are the route for suspected theft or another crime. Keep reference numbers and recheck regularly; an early negative response does not rule out a later arrival.

Create a useful notice

Use a clear recent photo, approximate area and date last seen, colour/size and safe contact method. For a nervous dog, ask people not to chase. Keep some distinctive details private for verification. Share in relevant local groups and ask permission for posters. Do not post your home address, chip number, ownership documents or financial information. Update notices when reunited and request removal of obsolete contact details. Check claims and avoid scams.

Next steps

Lost, Found & Stolen Dogs

Evidence and review

• GOV.UK: reporting stray dogs (England and Wales)
• mygov.scot: stray or abandoned dogs
• nidirect: lost and stray dogs
• Irish Government: responsible dog ownership
• Blue Cross: practical pet-theft steps (older legal commentary not relied upon)

General guidance, not an individual medical, behavioural or legal assessment. The treating veterinary team’s instructions take priority. Search outcomes, recovery and dog relationships vary. Local services and legal arrangements must be confirmed for the location; procedures here are verified for the labelled UK nations and Republic of Ireland, not assumed to apply elsewhere.

Behaviour support should use humane, reward-based methods. Ask your veterinarian about pain or illness and referral to an appropriately qualified clinical behaviour professional for safety concerns. In the UK, the ABTC register identifies assessed roles; check relevant species, role and referral requirements.

Evidence standards · Report a correction