Support & Help
Practical advice and support actions to improve the chances of finding your dog and helping our search teams.
Be Prepared (actions even before your dog goes missing)
- Create a pre-prepared scent item to help trackers and search dogs.
- A Scent item can be a small cloth, an old collar, or any item that has been in contact with your dog and has their scent on it.
- Store it in a sealed zip-lock bag and keep it somewhere safe so it's available immediately if your dog goes missing.
- Label the bag with the dog’s name and date.
- This is exceptionally important for those that have a multi-dog household, as scent can be confused between dogs.
- Rescent the item every month or so
- Keep a recent clear photo and brief description with the scent item.
Immediate actions when your dog goes missing
- Search the local area calmly.
- Contact local shelters and nearby vet practices.
- Share details with a clear recent photo.
- Download a template poster here: Poster Template
- Where possible, send someone home, in most cases the dog will try to return home.
- Contact us on Social media or via our contact form to discuss further actions.
What NOT to do
- Do not scatter food extensively (it can disperse scent patterns).
- Avoid large noisy gatherings near the last seen area.
-If there are sightings do not chase them, stay still as possible and let them come to you
What if I find a missing dog
Assess the situation is it safe for you to approach the dog?
Stop, Drop and Turn - being in a non-confromntational position will encourage some dogs towards you
Can you keep them safe? - can you restrain the dog once caught? Do you have a lead or use a belt?
IF THE DOG LOOKS SCARED OR IS RUNNING AWAY DO NOT CHASE SHOUT OR GRAB
Note the location and direction of travel and contact support teams or the owner if known.
How scent works
Dogs and trackers rely on scent trails. Warm surfaces, wind and other animals affect scent quality. Dogs have multiple scents to choose or dismiss to help them form a trail.
How to avoid contaminating a search area
- Keep movement minimal and avoid smoking or using perfumed products near the site.
- Wear clean shoes and avoid driving through the immediate area.