Losing a pet can be one of the most heartbreaking feelings you can have.

​We've dealt with countless cases of people needing our need with a lost pet and it never gets any easier to see. Due to this, we've decided to compile a list of tips that may help you find your missing dog, if you are in need of the advice.

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Missing dog?

• Search your neighborhood both on foot and by car. Dogs are most active at dawn and dusk. Search at other times as well, but focus on those two time periods. Cover the paths where you normally walk your dog, as well as surrounding areas.
• Grab a lead, and take along some really stinky, yummy food you know your dog will love. If your dog has a favorite toy, bring that along as well. Toys that make noise, such as ones that squeak or jingle, are best. Whether you’re walking or driving, go slowly and shout out your dog’s name in a happy voice. (If you’re in a vehicle, having someone else drive so you’re free to shout out the window is advised).
• If you have another dog, or have access to another dog yours is friends with, take that dog along on searches.
• Bring a photo with you, and show it to everyone you pass.
• If your dog is not friendly with people, give out your number and a local rescues number, and ask people to call immediately if they spot your dog. Even if your dog is people-friendly, tell people that if they do see him, not to chase him. Ask that they turn their body to the side (and even crouch down with the body turned sideways) and clap gently, using a happy voice to lure your dog to them. Ask that if they have a enclosed garden or other containment area, to coax your dog inside and then call you. Let people know if your dog is dog-friendly, in case they have a dog of their own.
• Be sure all of your neighbors are aware of the situation.
• Put lost posters all around your neighborhood.  Please make sure your poster has a clear photo of your dog, a full description including whether the dog is microchipped, note the area where it has gone missing from and the date it went missing and your full contact details. It’s also a good idea to add the phrase, “Needs medication.” This not only imparts a sense of urgency, but dissuades those who might believe in a “Finders, Keepers” policy from “adopting” your dog. It is also worth giving out your posters at local vets, animal rescues, groomers, pet shops and any other dog related business.
• Use the power of social media! update your timeline and share on groups and pages and any local sites that may be able to help spread the word.
• Search all of the places you can think of that a dog might find attractive. Local dog parks, fields that contain rabbits or squirrels, woods, rubbish dumps, and bins behind restaurants are all good bets. When you search on foot, be sure to keep an eye on bushes and under cars, as those are common hiding places for a frightened dog, or one who is napping.
• If you spot your dog on the street, be sure to follow the body language suggested above. You could even try running the other way, encouraging him in a happy voice to chase you, until you get the chance to put a lead on him.

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What to do if your dog is missing

• Register the missing dog on DogLost.
  ​http://www.doglost.co.uk/add-dog.php?status=Lost&join=1
• If your dog is micro-chipped, please let the microchip company know that your dog is missing at the same time and check that all details held are up to date.
• If you have not already done so contact dog wardens, vets and local rescue centres Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 0207 627 9245.
• Give them all a detailed description of your dog with any distinguishing marks/scars or send them a copy of your DogLost poster.
• POSTERS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
  Start putting up posters now with an up-to-date colour photograph.
• You can download a free Lost Pet Poster template from our website.​

Download poster template

• If your dog is picked up and taken to rescue kennels, they can be re-homed legally after 7 days, so please try to visit rescue centres to look for your dog and give them a poster.
  Do not rely on checking by phone alone, as other people may not recognise your dog by your description.
• If your dog has been stolen, please inform the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number (CRN) for the theft.

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The local warden numbers are:​

Sutton Dog Warden 
020 87705000
​020 87705070

Sutton Dog Warden Site

Croydon Dog Warden 
02087266200
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Croydon Dog Warden Site

Merton Dog Warden 
03335775070 9am - 5pm
Outside these times: 08444996063 ​

Merton Dog Warden Site

Don't forget to register on DogLost ASAP as posters get emailed out to volunteers, who will share across FB & Twitter for you.

Sign up to DogLost

If you've lost an animal or think you've found a stray...

If you're in the South London area, you can also join our popular Facebook group; Wallington Animal Life Line.

The page was created and run by Wallington Animal Rescue with the aim of reuniting lost and missing animals with their owners.
The group is specifically aimed at covering the communities of Wallington and Carshalton as well as nearby areas. Posts are limited to lost and missing animals.

Please note this group is purely for posts regarding missing animals in our local community. Any posts not relating to this will be deleted. Let's bring them home!

Join our lost & found Facebook group