Tips For Finding A Lost Dog In India

Nothing feels more devastating than failing to find your lost dog in India. They can go missing due to running away far chasing after something or getting separated from you outdoors.

Another reason for losing your dog in India can be stolen or kidnapped by people looking to sell or breed them (especially pedigrees). If you fear facing such a situation, prepare a plan of action when it happens.

Tips for Finding a Lost Dog in India

#1 Take instant action

Your best chance of finding your dog lies in how promptly you begin searching. The first 48 hours are the most crucial. Often dogs can’t find their way back home. Therefore, act fast and maximize your efforts from the start.

#2 Search the last-seen area thoroughly

Walk or drive through the area your dog got last seen. Call its name out and keep your ears open to listen to faint responses. Don’t forget to search your regular walking routes multiple times too.

Remember, lost dogs are scared. So they can hide in dark areas. Check corners, gutters, patches of trees, and under the parked cars. Also, search nearby where stray dogs can find food like butcher shops, food carts, restaurants, and garbage dumps.

#3 Talk to people around

Talk to people in the last-seen location to get clues. It can be shopkeepers, watchmen, municipal workers, vegetable vendors, children, chai-wallahs, etc. Take the help of your resident welfare association (RWA) people too.

#4 Create a poster of your missing dog

Another best way to find your lost dog in India is by spreading the word. Create a missing dog poster using the latest high-definition photograph of your dog with details like

• Dog’s name
• Identification marks
• Last-seen area and date
• Your name & contact details
• Cash reward (if possible)

 Share the poster online through social media and groups for lost pets, dog feeders, dog walkers active in your city. Also, place large ads in both English and local dailies to reach out to the locals.

You can request shops like grocery stores, medical shops, petrol pumps, etc., of the last-seen area to put up posters where people are more likely to see it.

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#5 Check with shelters, walkers, feeders, and vets

Go to the shelters in your vicinity to check if your dog ended up there. Ask stray dog feeder groups in your locality to keep an eye out for your dog. Put posters at veterinary clinics in your locality, your regular walking route, and the location of the last-seen.

#6 File an FIR

For your lost dog in India, file a complaint/FIR at your local police station. If it’s a case of abduction, police can trace a pattern of similar instances in and around the area. You must provide all the essential details to them – your dog’s size, age, breed, and identification, along with its latest picture.

#7 Track CCTV footage

If there were no witnesses, find your lost dog in India with the help of CCTV footage. Talk to your local police station or your legal expert to guide you through the process.

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 #8 Respond to every lead

Don’t be disheartened if you get several false leads. It can happen if you announced a reward. Follow up on every lead you get, just to be sure. If it hints towards multiple sightings in a specific area, do an extensive search of the location yourself.

#9 Leave your dog’s favorite stuff out

On many occasions, pet dogs navigate back to their homes using their heightened sense of smell. It might be a long shot, but there’s no harm in trying. You can leave their bedding and toys outside to help them find you.

Conclusion

Don’t lose hope!

Stay strong; lost dogs in India sometimes turn up months or even years after their disappearance. You must get your dog registered so that you can find your dog using their microchip on the collar or GPS tracker.