If your dog goes missing, start searching the last-seen area, report them to local animal services and shelters, and make sure people can reach you. If you spot a frightened dog, avoid chasing or crowding them. Ask local animal services or an experienced lost-dog recovery group for help.
Your first steps
- Check your home, yard and last-seen area; ask everyone in the household when they last saw the dog.
- Save a recent photo and write down the last-seen time, location and identifying details.
- Report the loss to the appropriate local service and notify the microchip registry.
- Ask helpers to send sightings to one contact person. Do not chase a frightened dog.
- Keep checking found-pet listings and messages while continuing the search.
Start with a clear record
Write down the time and exact place your dog was last seen. Save a recent photo and note their colour, size, collar and distinctive markings. Keep your phone charged and choose one contact person to collect sightings, so helpers can work from the same information.
Search nearby and report the loss
Check the immediate area and familiar walking routes. Ask neighbours to look in accessible hiding places and request permission before entering their property. Report your dog missing to the shelters and animal services responsible for that area, and tell your veterinarian and microchip registry. Recheck found-pet listings and follow up with shelters; a dog may be brought in later.
The Ottawa Humane Society's lost-pet guide explains reporting and searching, including how to respond differently when a dog is frightened.
If someone spots your dog
Ask for the time, location and direction of travel, plus a photo if it can be taken safely. Avoid sending a crowd to chase the dog. A frightened dog may flee even from a familiar person. Share the sighting with the person coordinating the search and seek experienced help when the dog cannot be approached safely.
See Humane World for Animals' lost-dog guidance for advice on adapting the search to the dog's behaviour.
Make your notice useful
Use a clear photo, the last-seen area and date, a short description and a contact number you can monitor. For a fearful dog, ask people to report sightings without chasing. Share the notice with relevant local lost-pet groups and nearby businesses, and keep it updated.
A simple notice can read: “LOST DOG — [photo]. Last seen [area] on [date/time]. [Colour, size, collar]. Please report sightings to [contact]. Please do not chase.” Use a contact method you are comfortable making public.
Found a dog instead?
Do not try to catch a dog that is frightened, aggressive or unwilling to approach. Contact local animal services for help. If the dog is safely contained, check visible identification when it is safe to do so. A veterinary clinic or shelter can help check for a microchip. Report the dog as found and ask the local service about next steps.
The BC SPCA's lost-and-found guidance covers safe approaches and contacting the appropriate local service.
Where a QR tag helps
A QR tag can help someone who has found your dog open the information connected to the tag. It cannot locate a dog on its own. With Scanforrescue, the core finder-to-owner service is free; finders can send a message and optionally share their location. Check your Scan Activity inbox and keep your published contact information current.
Our QR and privacy guide explains what a finder can see. Searching and reporting are still necessary; do not wait for a scan.
When your dog is home
Tell the shelters and groups you contacted, update your notices and remove posters. Check the gate, door, collar or other escape point before returning to the usual routine. Review identification details so a future finder has a working way to reach you.
Local help in Ottawa
Use the Ottawa Humane Society's current lost-and-found page for reporting links and contact instructions. Outside Ottawa, contact the shelter or municipal animal service responsible for the place where the dog went missing. Check current hours and intake instructions before travelling.