What to Do if You Have Lost a Pet...

1. VISIT all local Animal Control, humane societies, and animal shelters,
and go into surrounding areas; a dog can travel fast and far, and it has
been days. Actually VISIT the animal control and humane shelters every day
or two. It works well if several people can take turns visiting the
shelters. Get pictures copied and hand them out to everyone involved in
door-to-door and shelter checks. Check all areas of the shelter, including
the hospital/sick bay. Leave a picture and contact numbers at each shelter.
Find out the holding period of each animal control and humane shelter and be
aware of how much time you have to claim the dog before it's euthanized.
Find out where the shelter houses "overflow" and go there. Telephone calls
might help, but the info about what animals are there doesn't make it to the
receptionist/front desk instantly, and descriptions can vary wildly.

Ask about the rescue organizations, which often rescue from the shelters
(and we're talking about a purebreed here); absolutely find out about what
rescue operations work in the area and see those people.

2. Call the city, county, and state transportation departments and ask about
bodies picked up from the roadways. Tags or no tags, especially with the
owner hospitalized, or perhaps recovering with family or friends, calling
them is the only way to be sure. Don't assume that the owner will have been
notified.

3. Flyers: Post MANY LARGE and CLEAR flyers about the dog --- the more the
better. NO NAME or ADDRESS -- just contact numbers. A photo is best, if
possible. Large type and bright paper. REWARD, but no amount. Include date
lost, place, and description, with contact numbers. Hold back on at least
one ID characteristic for certain ID later, if necessary. This can also help
tell you whether callers are "for real."

Post the flyers at car level on utility poles and at eye level for people on
foot. Post them at all the area vets' offices and Petsmarts, grooming
places, and feed stores. Post them where kids hang out. Kids are great
sources of info, too, often knowing who has what dogs a lot faster than
adults might.

Keep your flyers in good condition (checking and replacing).


4. Contact any company(post office, electric company, gas company) who may have people driving or walking that area, send them flyers, and ask that their employees be on the lookout.

Be aware of these warnings copied from PetRescue.com:

A Few Words Of Caution

• There are dangerous people in our society who prey upon victims by using
  "found" pets as a ploy.
• NEVER respond to a "found" pet contact alone. Take a friend or two along
  with you.
• Arrange to meet in a public place.
• NEVER invite the person to your home unless you happen to know them well.
• Beware of money scams. A common one is a person calls you claiming to be a
  long-haul trucker. He says he picked up your pet and is out of state now. He
  heard about your ad, flyer, etc. and says he will return your pet if you
  will pay to ship it home. This person does not have your pet, he is only
  trying to take your money.
• Don't wander around looking for your pet alone, either during the day or at
  night. Always bring a friend or relative. This is especially important in
  unfamiliar neighborhoods.