Losing your dog is every pet parent’s nightmare—but don’t worry, we’re here to help you get through it. The most important thing? Stay calm. Your pup is counting on you to be their rock right now, so take a deep breath and let’s get to work on bringing them home.

First Things First: Don’t Chase Them!

We know your instinct might be to run after them, but chasing can actually make things worse. It could push them further away or into a dangerous situation. Instead, keep calm and steady—this will help your dog feel less panicked, too.

Let’s Start with the Basics

1. Is their microchip info up to date?

If your dog has a microchip, double-check that your contact info is current. You can also report them missing via microchip services—this way, if someone scans the chip, they’ll know your pup is lost and who to call.

2. Spread the word online.

Social media is your best friend right now. Post about your missing pup on:

• • Local lost pet Facebook groups
• • Neighborhood apps like NextDoor
• • Instagram (tag local rescues, vets, and even pet-friendly cafes!)

3. Alert the local community.

Contact nearby vets, animal shelters, and even your local police precinct. The more people know your dog is missing, the better your chances of finding them.

4. Hang up flyers.

Flyers are still a classic for a reason—they work! Use bold, clear photos of your dog and include contact info. Start with a ½-mile radius from where they were last seen, and expand as time goes on. Pro tip: Pack some tape and hit every corner or intersection you pass.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• • DO stay calm. If you spot your dog, act relaxed and low-key. Don’t call their name or rush toward them—they might still be in “flight mode.”
• • DO NOT share their “last spotted” location publicly. This might sound counterintuitive, but you don’t want well-meaning strangers crowding the area and scaring your dog further away.
• • DO keep your network in the loop. The more eyes you have on the search, the better.

The Power of Familiar Scents

Your pup is trying to find their way back to you, and their nose is their GPS. If they’re a longtime companion, leave a blanket or something that smells like you outside your home. In rural areas, you can set up a feeding station with a trail camera to monitor their movements.

But what if your dog is a recent rescue and hasn’t fully bonded with you yet? No worries—there are still ways to help guide them back:

• • Use familiar scents from their rescue journey. If you have any blankets, bedding, or items that came with your dog from their foster home or the shelter, leave those outside. These scents might be comforting and recognizable.
• • Collaborate with the rescue team. Reach out to the rescue or foster family—sometimes, having a familiar person from their past involved in the search can help.

And don’t forget to check places that might have caught their curiosity during walks or outings—like parks, alleys, or spots with lots of dogs passing through.

What If You Spot Them?

Picture this: You’re out searching, and there they are! Your heart’s racing, but the key is to stay cool. Here’s what to do:

• • Get low and relax. Sit down, turn your back to them, and stay calm. Let your pup come to you at their own pace.
• • If close enough, stay low, move slowly, don’t make direct eye contact, and slowly herd the dog into an enclosed space using spatial pressure without getting too close. 

Prevention Tips for the Future

No matter how careful we are, dogs can slip away unexpectedly. To minimize the chances:

• • Always use a secure ID tag with your contact info. Visible phone number is the fastest way to get your dog back quickly.
• • Double up on leash safety with a backup clip or harness.
• • Make sure their NYC dog license and microchip details are current. The dog license is not an ID tag!

Losing a dog is scary, but with the right steps—and a little patience—you can help them find their way back. And remember, you’re not alone! The entire Korean K9 Rescue community is here to support you.

Ready to dive deeper into resources? Visit Korean K9 Rescue for more tips and tools.