ByEverything You Need to Know About Lost Dogs in Ohio
Discovering that your pet is missing is heart-wrenching and terrifying. Fortunately, owners who have can file a report and get a call when the dog is found.
Keep reading to find out what steps you can take if you have lost a pet. You’ll also learn future steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your pet in the future.
Do Lost Dogs Usually Get Found?
According to a recent ASPCA report, there is a 93% chance that can be found within the first 24 hours. Unfortunately, after the 24-hour mark, there is only a 60% chance of finding the missing pet.
What to Do if You Lose Your Dog
| If your dog goes missing | File a missing pet report with every animal shelter within 15 miles of where you last saw your dog.
If your dog is microchipped, alert the microchip company that your pet is missing, too. |
| If your dog isn't microchipped | Bring a recent picture and description to your local veterinary offices, and leave your contact number.
Also, you should call your roommates or friends and see if they can help you search for your missing dog. |
Finally, make sure you grab a leash (and collar if your dog removed their collar) so you can manage your pet. Some dogs will gladly jump in a car if you ask them if they want to go for a car ride. Others need to be put into the vehicle.
One Final Tip
Some dogs think you're playing a game if you run after them. If you and your dog see each other, lie down on the ground and roll around or start running in the opposite direction of your dog. Your dog will most likely chase after you.
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Dog
- If you can't find your , consider placing a Craigslist ad or advertising in your local newspaper.
- You also may benefit from posting in a local Facebook group that your dog is missing.
- Make sure you include a recent picture and a detailed description of your missing pooch.
How to Avoid Losing Your Pet
The most important step is having your pet microchipped by the vet.
Other important steps include:
- Secure your dog on a leash if you do not have a fenced-in yard.
- Watch your dog if they are outside. Stolen dogs are less likely to be recovered than dogs who run away.
- Put your phone number on your dog's tag.
- If you leave your dog attached to a lead outside unsupervised, put your dog in a harness and attach the lead to the harness. If your dog steps out of its harness, someone could find your dog and your phone number on their collar.
- Get a license for your dog. This way, the authorities will be alerted as soon as your missing dog is brought into the nearest animal shelter.
- Train your dog. Some dogs, like English Foxhounds, may run off to track a scent regardless of how well-trained they are. That said, trained dogs are much more likely to come back than untrained dogs.
Next Steps for Finding Lost Dogs in Ohio if You Can’t Do It Yourself
When you lose or find a missing pet, find the contact information for several animal control offices, vet offices, and animal shelters. Then file several reports.
If you lose or find a missing pet, DoNotPay can help in just three easy steps:
- Search "lost and found pets" on DoNotPay, and select whether you're reporting a lost pet or a pet you've found.
- Enter the date and location you lost or found the pet and tell us more about them, including the breed, gender, whether they are wearing a collar, approximate size, and more.
- Upload evidence a photo of the pet, so they can be identified, and enter your current contact information where you can be reached with updates.
That’s it! DoNotPay will file the report for you, make sure the government directory has the pet's information on record, and ensure you will be contacted as soon as a match is found.
What Else You Can Use DoNotPay For
DoNotPay isn't just the ideal resource for you if you lose your dog.
Turn to DoNotPay if:
- Your cat runs away
- You want to learn how to find a lost cat
- You want to learn how to find a lost dog
And that’s only the beginning. Try it today.