Have you lost your GSP?
Please see our tip sheet below
Thank you to our longtime volunteer Namrita for sharing the things she learned while searching for her GSP Pinner (2016 SEGSP Alumnus). In his memory, we hope this information helps you find your GSP. To see her Lessons Learned in detail, please Click HERE.
Here is our summary:
● First, enlist your family and friends to help you in your search. Don’t be shy! You’ll need their help.
● Alert your microchip service. They will put out a lost pet alert.
● Create a simple flyer that is VERY easy to read. Include: LOST DOG, the name, photo, and phone number (large bold font). If you include a reward, we recommend adding “$$$ REWARD $$$” but not include an amount. Laminate the flyers and place them in plastic sheet protectors upside down so they don’t get wet. Hang them in pedestrian areas, on telephone poles and businesses (ask first). Give flyers to delivery drivers, landscapers, policemen, security staff, etc. who are outside daily.
● Put up large signs at busy intersections. Some sign businesses will give a discount for lost dog signs. Check county ordinances before placing large signs.
● Contact Lost Pet Amber Alert Systems. There are a few of these including LostmyDoggie.com, FindToto.com, and Pawboost.com.
● Post on Nextdoor.com. You can reach the local community very quickly.
● Use social media to spread the word. Create a community page that you can share on your personal page. Pin your post to the top of your personal page so it’s the first thing people see.
● Send your information to Lost/Found dog sites in your community (they are by state, county and city) as well as rescue groups (search for GSP and dog rescues), local shelters, veterinarians and Buy/Sell/Trade pages relevant to your search area.
● Check the local shelters and vet clinics daily. They may not discover the microchip number even if your dog has one. Enlist your friends to help visit shelters in person to search their kennels. Shelters are often overwhelmed so they may not recall your dog over the phone.
● Change your voicemail greeting so people know to leave a message and/or text you with a photo if they spotted your dog and as many details as possible so you can follow up with them ASAP.
● Consider getting a billboard (perhaps donated). Ask your search network for any contacts in the industry who could help.
● Search Craigslist daily for posted dogs in Lost/Found or For Sale. You can also post your lost dog.
● Physical Search: Follow water sources. If a dog has found a water source, he/she will likely stick close to it. Follow train tracks and power lines. The dog should typically make his way to somewhere familiar (e.g., the last place you saw him or home). Dogs will be attracted by the smell of food - check restaurants, dumpsters, hotels, etc. Do not chase your dog – they may run if they feel chased. Some dogs, if very social, may come to someone who is calling their name. However, even social dogs will become frightened and eventually feral the longer they are lost. Don’t assume your dog went a certain way or would do a certain thing. Keep your mind open and follow leads as they come.
● If you spot the dog, take a picture. Do not follow, chase, reach to grab or yell. In a soft voice, encourage the dog to come (get low to the ground or lay flat). If you have food/treats, use it. Be gentle and leash the dog if/when you can. If unsuccessful, do not chase/follow. Send your photo and location info to the search team.
● Set up a Food Station only at the location of the most recent sighting. Do not scatter food everywhere you search – you want your dog to stay in one place for food. Place a combination of dry/wet dog food, hot dogs, chicken, etc. in a food bowl. Also, from a few different directions, scatter milk bones and rawhides (take note of where you placed them) to lead the dog to the food bowl (which should not be in plain sight or in a high traffic area).
● Create scent stations where you set up a food station. Leave some of your belongings that have your scent (or rub Kleenex on your body and drop them around your scent station - they will biodegrade). You can also pee around your scent station.
● Set up trail cameras at your scent/food station. Secure the camera to a nearby tree that is in the line of sight of the food bowl (secure with a bungee cord).
● Humane traps. Work with someone who has experience using traps, e.g. a local animal rescue organization or animal control. Do not try this without a professional. The nearest Animal Control office can advise you (and help you find your dog).
● Drones and security cameras. If you have access to a drone and pilot, this could be very useful. If there are any offices, garages, schools, etc. that may have security cameras, ask to see the footage if you believe your dog may have been in the area.
● Using a local Tracking Dog service is a way to help narrow down your search area, which can be especially helpful if you have not had any sightings. Research and compare pricing and reviews.
Conducting an extensive search can be a financial burden. There are never any guarantees, but people are often willing to help with donations, especially if they can’t volunteer their time to help you search. If you choose to use GoFundMe.com be very clear about what you are asking for and what you will use the donations for. Also be clear about what you will do with any leftover donations (e.g., donate them to a specific animal shelter or organization).
We wish you well and hope this information helps in your search.
Here is our summary:
● First, enlist your family and friends to help you in your search. Don’t be shy! You’ll need their help.
● Alert your microchip service. They will put out a lost pet alert.
● Create a simple flyer that is VERY easy to read. Include: LOST DOG, the name, photo, and phone number (large bold font). If you include a reward, we recommend adding “$$$ REWARD $$$” but not include an amount. Laminate the flyers and place them in plastic sheet protectors upside down so they don’t get wet. Hang them in pedestrian areas, on telephone poles and businesses (ask first). Give flyers to delivery drivers, landscapers, policemen, security staff, etc. who are outside daily.
● Put up large signs at busy intersections. Some sign businesses will give a discount for lost dog signs. Check county ordinances before placing large signs.
● Contact Lost Pet Amber Alert Systems. There are a few of these including LostmyDoggie.com, FindToto.com, and Pawboost.com.
● Post on Nextdoor.com. You can reach the local community very quickly.
● Use social media to spread the word. Create a community page that you can share on your personal page. Pin your post to the top of your personal page so it’s the first thing people see.
● Send your information to Lost/Found dog sites in your community (they are by state, county and city) as well as rescue groups (search for GSP and dog rescues), local shelters, veterinarians and Buy/Sell/Trade pages relevant to your search area.
● Check the local shelters and vet clinics daily. They may not discover the microchip number even if your dog has one. Enlist your friends to help visit shelters in person to search their kennels. Shelters are often overwhelmed so they may not recall your dog over the phone.
● Change your voicemail greeting so people know to leave a message and/or text you with a photo if they spotted your dog and as many details as possible so you can follow up with them ASAP.
● Consider getting a billboard (perhaps donated). Ask your search network for any contacts in the industry who could help.
● Search Craigslist daily for posted dogs in Lost/Found or For Sale. You can also post your lost dog.
● Physical Search: Follow water sources. If a dog has found a water source, he/she will likely stick close to it. Follow train tracks and power lines. The dog should typically make his way to somewhere familiar (e.g., the last place you saw him or home). Dogs will be attracted by the smell of food - check restaurants, dumpsters, hotels, etc. Do not chase your dog – they may run if they feel chased. Some dogs, if very social, may come to someone who is calling their name. However, even social dogs will become frightened and eventually feral the longer they are lost. Don’t assume your dog went a certain way or would do a certain thing. Keep your mind open and follow leads as they come.
● If you spot the dog, take a picture. Do not follow, chase, reach to grab or yell. In a soft voice, encourage the dog to come (get low to the ground or lay flat). If you have food/treats, use it. Be gentle and leash the dog if/when you can. If unsuccessful, do not chase/follow. Send your photo and location info to the search team.
● Set up a Food Station only at the location of the most recent sighting. Do not scatter food everywhere you search – you want your dog to stay in one place for food. Place a combination of dry/wet dog food, hot dogs, chicken, etc. in a food bowl. Also, from a few different directions, scatter milk bones and rawhides (take note of where you placed them) to lead the dog to the food bowl (which should not be in plain sight or in a high traffic area).
● Create scent stations where you set up a food station. Leave some of your belongings that have your scent (or rub Kleenex on your body and drop them around your scent station - they will biodegrade). You can also pee around your scent station.
● Set up trail cameras at your scent/food station. Secure the camera to a nearby tree that is in the line of sight of the food bowl (secure with a bungee cord).
● Humane traps. Work with someone who has experience using traps, e.g. a local animal rescue organization or animal control. Do not try this without a professional. The nearest Animal Control office can advise you (and help you find your dog).
● Drones and security cameras. If you have access to a drone and pilot, this could be very useful. If there are any offices, garages, schools, etc. that may have security cameras, ask to see the footage if you believe your dog may have been in the area.
● Using a local Tracking Dog service is a way to help narrow down your search area, which can be especially helpful if you have not had any sightings. Research and compare pricing and reviews.
Conducting an extensive search can be a financial burden. There are never any guarantees, but people are often willing to help with donations, especially if they can’t volunteer their time to help you search. If you choose to use GoFundMe.com be very clear about what you are asking for and what you will use the donations for. Also be clear about what you will do with any leftover donations (e.g., donate them to a specific animal shelter or organization).
We wish you well and hope this information helps in your search.
