The more information our teams have, the faster we can mobilise our Operational dogs and handlers to reduce a search area, and increase the chances of successful reuniting you with your lost dog.
When you get in touch with a regional co-ordinator, they will ask you some questions. These questions can vary depending on the circumstances, but as a rough guide, these are the kind of questions you should be prepared to answer.
- Physical description of your missing dog, including breed (or crossbreed(s) if known), colour, size (and weight), age, gender, any distinguishing features
- Any medications/illnesses/conditions that your dog has
- Information about the area where your dog went missing
- The circumstances under which your dog went missing
- Information about your normal daily routines with your dog
- Information about how your dog normally responds to strange people, strange dogs, and strange environments
- Whether you have already conducted a search, and to what extent/what methods you used (if you have already been in contact or worked with another organisation or group to locate your missing dog, please let us know. It is at your discretion to specify who.)
- Whether there have been any sightings or information about your dog since they went missing
- Points of contact: what is the best way to stay in touch with you during the active search for your dog? If you aren’t available to assist in the search for your dog for any reason, who can we contact?
- The address of your usual veterinary practice, and (if different) your 24-hour emergency veterinary practice
Some of these questions might seem unnecessary or irrelevant, but can give our Tracking Teams insights into potential behaviour patterns, which can help predict a search area. We also appreciate that “I don’t know” is a valid response to a question!
Please note: our teams are here to help, and accurate information can be vital. Be upfront and honest in your answers; our priority is locating your dog.
You will also need a Scent Item if we proceed with the search; you can find more information about Scent Items here.