07/07/2025
Dog missing after fireworks? Do THIS!!
My Dog took themselves on an unauthorized adventure and now they are lost! Now WHAT??!! HELP!
1st off - DON'T PANIC. Breathe. Focus.
Take these IMMEDIATE steps to start getting the likelihood of recovery increased exponentially. DONT WAIT A FEW HOURS OR A DAY OR TWO to see if they come home. Do it as soon as you can.
1. Help your dog "smell their way back home" Put their bedding and some worn clothing that smells like his humans out on your porch, or down the driveway in the direction you saw or suspect they took off from the property. We want the wind to catch the scent and "home" to be on the breeze, asap for your furry friend to navigate by. Ensure these items are placed in a safe zone not near traffic, as your pet just may end up camping out on that exact spot without you knowing it, late at night.
2. Put some quality food out by the scent items to ensure your pup has nutrients needed in this cold weather. They burn a lot of calories while stressed and out running. Also, we need to get dog to shift from "flight mode" in it's brain to help it recognize what's familiar. When running nervous, dogs often are so "scent" and "fear" focused that they don't "think straight". By feeding them, it engages their gut and brain in a bit of a calmer way to help them settle and make a smarter choice toward home. Don't over feed. We want them just hungry enough to be motivated to get in a trap or come to us with food as a lure. But we need to keep QUALITY food available for them while on the run.
3. Post on social media with the following format:
-Cut to the chase with Who/What/Where/When and contact info. Be concise and clear. We want neighbors to have a call to action, not a sob story to wade through. Noting that you love your dog and are worried sick goes without saying. If you need to include that...save it for the end. Just like a newspaper article, get the facts out 1st so people know how to best help you. Here is a template of an effective post you can cut and paste and edit with your details. Post with full body picture and face front picture clearly showing your pups markings.
LOST 2/10/23 - "Winnie"
Priest River, ID
Last seen at ###X Rd and ###X Rd intersection
If sited PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUT OR CHASE. Instead, take a good picture with your phone and text it to 208.###.###x with exact siting location. If you have food with you and can put some in a safe location off the road to keep pup there, that would be helpful.
Then share this post to all local/regional lost pet and community pages, Next Door app in your area.
Tag our page to alert our team at N Idaho Getting Them to Safety Dog Recovery
4. Send us a message via text or messenger and let us help you.
We can be reached at 503.267.5505 or 208.818.5880
5. Report your lost dog to ALL area shelters & veterinary clinics. Shelters transfer dogs often when full, so don't assume your dog would only go to the one closest to you. Update the shelters every 2-3 days with status of still missing while dog is still at large.
6. DONT GIVE UP! Dogs can survive on the run for months. It's hard...but no news is good news and grounds to keep actively working and searching for your pet.
7. Celebrate when you have them back in your home.
8. Fix their ability to escape again in the future because fencing is much easier than recovering. Accidents happen....but there's no need for them to happen over and over and over again. Let's prevent it by giving your pet a secure area to exercise and give you and your family peace of mind going forward. If you need affordable fencing ideas, lets chat. We are a resourceful bunch and would love to brainstorm. There's always a way.
9. Rest easy knowing your pet is secure.
10. Help the next neighbor when their dog is on the loose.
Together we can do more...
