Losing your dog can be a very scary experience and cause a lot of stress. This last weekend, while I was out walking my dogs a car driving by stopped. The driver asked me if I had seen his dog, and unfortunately, for the driver of the car I hadn’t. However, talking with this man did get me thinking. What have I done or not done to help make finding my dogs easier, just in case I ever lose them?

The best way to find your dog is to act quickly and get the help of friends, family, and neighbors to help in the search.

I recommend keeping the following items in an easy-to-find place:

• Recent photo of each of your dog(s)
• The microchip information
• A checklist of things to do when your dog goes missing
• Numbers of family, friends and neighbors

With a ready-to-go checklist, you can act quickly when time is of the essence.

How to Find Your Lost Dog In Chico: The Complete Guide

The most important thing is not to panic. If you cannot think clearly you will not be able to help your pet. Acting quickly is super important when it comes to finding your lost pet. Take a few deep breaths so you can stay calm. Grab your checklist and work through each item as fast as possible is going to be the best way to get your pet back to you.

#1. Get help from Family, Friends, and Neighbors

You can assign people to different tasks – getting your dog’s information online,  another one making phone calls, and others looking in the area the dog was lost. This will help speed up getting the list of items to do done more quickly.

Ask your neighbors if they have seen your dog and if they can keep an eye out in case your lost dog shows up. Have a picture ready to show them in case they do not recognize your dog. You can text them a photo of your dog – this way they will have a recent photo to look at if they think they see your dog. It will also ensure they have your phone number so they can reach you.

I recommend talking to your neighbors with pets first often times you will find your dog just wanted some playtime with the neighbors’ dog.

#2. Check With Your Local Rescue/Pound

Call the local rescues in your area. Butte Humane Society (530) 343-7917 and Chico Animal Shelter (530) 894-5630 are the two main ones in Chico. You will also want to have someone fill out the lost dog information – they keep a binder in their lobby. They also have a lost pet online form you can fill out. Lost a pet click here for the online form.

You can check online to see if Chico Animal Shelter has picked up your pet (click here to see pets that are at the shelter)

#3. Share On Social Media

It’s important to get the word out to as many people as possible. Make sure you share all the details on social media and ask people to share the post for you.

There are several Facebook Groups set up for butte county and the city of Chico where you can post details of your missing dog. Make sure to include where your dog went missing.

Nextdoor.com and Cody Alert are two great places to get started.

Be wary of people contacting you with sightings of your pet. Never go alone to meet anyone – always take someone with you.

#4. Call the Police 

Call the Chico PD (530) 897-4900 and ask them if they can let their officers know your dog is missing. A lot of officers are more than willing to keep an eye out for your missing dog.

I would also tag @Chico Police Department on both Facebook and Twitter and ask them to share their lost pet details.

#5. Contact Local Vets, Pet Stores, Groomers etc

Get in contact with local vets and pet stores and give them the details about your missing dog. Ask them if you can send them a picture and make sure they have a way to get in contact with you. Make sure you ask if they can share your missing dogs’ details on social media. Ask if you can leave/put up a flyer with your dogs’ information and where they went missing.

#8. Create a Dog Is Missing Flyer

The flyer should include

• Recent photo of your pet
• Where they went missing
• Your Contact information

#9. Check Lost and Found Websites 

Check online at found pet sites such as HomeAgain and FidoFinder and issue a PetAmberAlert.

Check Craig’s list, Nextdoor, and other local listings.

#10. Search For Your Dog 

While searching for your dog have his/her favorite toy that makes noise or shake a treat bag. Use something that your dog will recognize and come running.

#11. Advertise Your Pet Is Missing

Place a sign on your front door or in your yard with a photo of the missing dog and phone number. People will often drive or walk around looking for a lost dogs home.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Dog

The following are things you can do to try and help get your dog back to you if they do go missing.

#1. Make Sure They Have An Up To Date ID Tag

Keep a collar and ID Tag on your dog. Make sure the information is up to date.

#2. Keep Their Microchip Details Up To Date

Make sure to register your pets’ microchip and keep it up to date. There are several different websites where you can register your pet’s microchip.

#3. Purchase A GPS Collar

This will help you locate your dog much faster. There are many different collars to choose from.

What To Do If You Find A Dog/Cat

• If you find a cat or a dog then take it to your local vet so they can scan their ID chip and contact the owners.
• If there is a tag on you can always contact the owner directly.
• If neither of these are available then you should list the pet on one of the lost and found websites and on social media.
• Always make sure you check for proof of ownership before you hand over the pet. For example, photos, color of the collar, unusual markings etc.