The first hours after a dog goes missing feel like chaos. The good news: most of what helps is simple, and you can start right now. Here's a calm, step-by-step plan.

1. Search the area straight away

Most lost dogs don't go far at first. Walk your street and the nearby streets slowly. Check gardens, under cars, behind bins, building entrances and anywhere quiet and covered.

Call your dog's name in a normal, friendly voice. A scared dog may hide from someone who sounds upset, even if it's you. Bring a treat bag or a squeaky toy they know.

If you can, ask one person to stay at home in case your dog comes back on their own.

2. Leave something that smells like home

Put your dog's bed, a blanket or an unwashed t-shirt of yours outside your door or where they were last seen. A familiar smell can help a wandering dog find their way back, and gives them a reason to stay put if they do.

Leave a bowl of water too.

3. Post a report with a clear photo

The sooner people nearby know, the more eyes are looking. Post a report on Paw Alert with:

  • A clear, recent photo where your dog's face and colouring are easy to see
  • The exact place and time they went missing
  • Size, breed or mix, collar colour and any marks
  • Whether they're friendly or shy with strangers

Your report appears on the map, so anyone who spots your dog can match it to your post. Share the same details in local neighbourhood groups as well.

4. Call shelters, vets and animal services

People who find a dog often take it to the nearest shelter, rescue or vet. Call the ones near you, give them your dog's description and your phone number, and ask them to scan any dog that matches for a microchip.

You can find shelters and rescues near you on the Paw Alert map.

Call again the next day. Staff change shifts, and new animals arrive all the time. If you can, visit in person: a description over the phone can easily be misread.

5. Check the microchip details

If your dog is microchipped, contact the database your chip is registered with. Report your dog as missing and check that your phone number and address are up to date. A chip only helps if the details on it can reach you.

6. Put up posters

Posters still work, especially for people who don't use apps. Keep them simple: a big photo, the word LOST, the area, and your phone number. Put them up at eye level near where your dog went missing, at vets, pet shops and busy corners.

7. Think like your dog

Where would they go? Some dogs head for places they know: a favourite park, a friend's house, the route of their daily walk. Others hide and stay very still when scared, often closer than you'd expect. Search again at dawn and dusk, when streets are quiet and a nervous dog is more likely to move.

8. Be careful with strangers asking for money

Sadly, some people take advantage of worried owners. Be cautious if someone says they have your dog but asks for money before you've seen the dog, or won't send a recent photo. Meet in a public place and bring someone with you.

9. Don't give up after day one

Dogs are reunited with their families after days and even weeks. Keep your report active, keep calling shelters and keep sharing. Every new person who sees your dog's photo is another chance.

If you see a dog that looks lost, you can help too. Don't chase it. Take a photo from a distance and post it on Paw Alert with the location. That one photo might be exactly what an owner is waiting for.

Paw Alert is free on Google Play.