Tips

Below are some suggestions and ideas others have offered to help if you lost or found a dog. Please use your own discretion and good sense.

When you post a sign and just use: "911lostdog.com", people can reach you through an encrypted message, instead of your personal phone.

If You Lost A Dog
  1. Post simple LOST DOG signs immediately in the area with your phone number.
  2. Ask callers to describe the dog first or text a photo. Do not describe the dog to them first.
  3. Go to the shelter and alert staff. Post a sign in the lobby if possible.
  4. If you cannot go in person, call and email the shelter with description, last-known location, and contact info.
  5. Check Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Nextdoor, and local Facebook lost pet pages.
  6. Watch for scammers asking for money. If someone claims vet expenses and refuses to share details, hang up.
If You Found A Dog
  1. Do not assume the dog is abandoned.
  2. Post simple FOUND DOG signs in the immediate area with your phone number.
  3. You may share basic details like color, but ask callers to describe the dog first and text a photo.
  4. Do not give your exact address to unknown callers. Meet safely and verify details.
  5. Go to the shelter and alert staff. Post a sign in the lobby if possible.
  6. Check Pawboost, Petco Love Lost, Nextdoor, and local Facebook pages for matching reports.
  7. Ask for proof of ownership, including vet records when possible.
  8. Be sure the person claiming the dog is the real owner.

Safety first: be cautious with unknown contacts and always verify identity before sharing sensitive details or releasing a dog.