KK9R Lost Dog Protocol
Finding out your dog has run away can be a scary experience, but it’s important not to panic. Staying calm is key to bringing them back safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, effective steps you can take to help reunite with your furry friend as quickly as possible.
First and foremost, DO NOT CHASE your dog! Chasing a dog might drive them further away from home, or into traffic and dangerous situations. Do your best to stay calm, and advise everyone helping to do the same.
Immediate actions
Resources to Check
1. Is your dog’s microchip registered to you and is the information updated and correct? Check your microchip here.
2. You can also report your dog missing here, and here. (If you report them missing, anyone who scans the microchip will be notified that the dog is lost immediately.)
3. Check lost pet pages on Facebook
4. Outreach to your community.
NextDoor- Facebook – lost dog groups, neighborhood groups, etc.
- Notify local vets, rescues, and police precincts
- Instagram – tag local vets, rescues, etc to help spread awareness
- Ring Communities
5. Hang Fliers: Fliers are the best tool in spreading the word and getting everyone to keep an eye out for your friend. We’ve made this template on Canva for quick use. Start canvassing the immediate area with flyers first. Generally, a ½ mile radius from the location would be first priority. You can go on google maps and draw a circle to mark the radius – a good rule of thumb is around 100 flyers per ½ mile. 24 hours – ½ mile radius. 48 hours – 1.5 miles radius. 72 hours – 3 miles radius. Hang flyers with clear packing tape at every corner or intersection you pass.
DOs and DO NOTs
DO remain calm – this is a stressful event, but being frantic – especially if you spot your dog – will only cause them to be more scared in the moment.
DO NOT walk around the area calling out to your lost pet – advise others not to call out to, whistle, squeak toys, or otherwise make a lot of noise. This can startle a dog in flight mode.
DO alert everyone in your network, neighborhood, rescue community, etc. Awareness is key.
DO NOT post “last spotted” locations on social media. Keep these internal only to avoid anyone attempting to help locate the pet from rushing to that area.
DO NOT post a reward on social media or flyers – good people won’t require money to help a pet get home. This can attract scammers and people with ill intent.
DO NOT respond to phone calls or text messages insisting they’ve found your dog without PROOF. The world is still crazy – pranksters, scammers, kids will take advantage of your phone number being listed. Unless they can send a photo of your lost dog, it’s likely not real.
Next Steps – Help Them Find ‘Home’
Leave a blanket or something that smells like your dog in front of your home.
• For suburban and rural settings – set up a feeding station near home (driveway, front yard, etc) and a trail cam so you can see if your pet has visited. After a few days, you can set up a trap with the food.
Check places you frequent with your dog.
• Remember, Jindos are an ancient breed, so they can go days without worrying about food or water. They’ll be okay, don’t fret there, but that’s not their top priority so food often won’t entice them to come home. They have to settle down before thinking about how to get back.
Almost Home – What to Do if You Spot Your Dog
1. Remain Calm – do not chase your dog or call to them. If you can, bring their favorite toy and without looking at or engaging with them, have fun with the toy.
2. Sit down, get low, relax – Face away from your dog, get as low to the ground as you can calmly, and just wait. More often than not, once your dog snaps out of panic they will realize who you are and cautiously approach. Even if they approach, remain calm.
3. If close enough, stay low, move slowly, don’t make direct eye contact, and slowly herd the dog into an enclosed space.
Keeping Safe
Proactive steps for the future:
Whether it’s been four days or four years, any dog can go missing suddenly. Take these proactive steps to minimize the risk of losing your dog.
Is your dog wearing their NYC DOH license (round red tag)? This could help police identify the owner should someone bring your dog to a precinct.
Is your dog wearing a personalized ID Tag with your information (Phone, address)? This is the fastest way lost dogs are returned home.
Are you using a safety back up clip or two points of connection to your dog’s gear?
