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Sightings
Now that posters are done & facebook posts have been shared, you receive your first sighting of your lost pet! Your first instinct is to run out and search! Please fight this urge. First make sure you obtain all of the important information.
Obtain the callers name & phone number. Ask if you should require additional details if it is ok for you to call or text them back.
Document the date & time
Identifying features / description. Was the lost pet wearing a collar / harness? Size, markings etc. Try to allow the caller to recall the events as they saw them and ask for further details. Try to avoid answering your own question. For example; My dog was wearing a blue collar. Did you see a blue collar?
Location seen. The more detailed the sighting is the better
- Street names, address, landmarks.
- Can they show you on a map exactly where your lost pet was seen
- What side of the street was the pet on
- Where did they loose sight of the pet
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What direction was the pet moving? If sitting what way was his body pointing (in general dogs will often walk in the direction they are facing).
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What was the dog observed doing at the time? This provides an idea of your lost pets state of mind when seen.
What did the caller do when they saw the pet? Did they attempt to catch the pet? If so, how did they attempt to do so? What was the dogs reaction to this?
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Did the pet appear to be injured?
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Thank the caller. If you are working with a Lost Pet Recovery Team, call them immediately and ensure you are prepared when you leave your home.
Take the following items with you;
Treats / Favorite food in a crinkly type bag. Bring more than you think you will need. We have seen lost dogs consume entire chickens while being hand lured. More is better than less.
Leash - we typically recommend using a slip leash as often dogs have slipped their collar or the collar is lost it while out
Collar
Extra posters to put up in new areas
Handouts with your lost pets photo and contact information.
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions as you may need to be outside longer than anticipated
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IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH A LOST PET RECOVERY SPECIALIST, CALL THEM ASAP
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DO NOT POST SIGHTINGS ONLINE!!
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