What can you do?

  • It's very important to keep your dog's microchip details up to date with the correct contact details so you can be contacted should your pet ever go missing. Updating is easy and you can update your details online, by telephone or post with the database that your pet is registered to. If you do not know the name of the company your pet is registered to, a vet can scan your dog’s microchip and give you the ID, company and details. Don’t be alarmed if the holding company charge you to update a microchip account with new details. This is common practice for most microchip registers.

  • Remember also that it is the law that a dog should have a identification tag on its collar or harness when they are outside of your property. This should include your surname, address together with a postcode. It is optional to add a contact telephone number but to reunite an animal sooner this would be good practice. It is also a good idea that when you are away on holiday that you have a holiday tag for your pet showing the holiday residence address etc.

  • You may be going abroad on holiday - before you travel make sure all the requirements are met to allow safe travel of your pet. These change quite regularly and its good practice to check with Government Website and your service provider. If you do not have the correct paperwork in place, the provider will refuse you travel and you will be required to return with the correct paperwork before commencing any onward journey. Again the holiday residence shown on tag, incase your dog gets misplaced is something any owner should consider.

What to do if your dog goes missing?

  • If your dog does go missing, it is important that the following is carried out:

    • check anywhere within the house they could be hiding;

    • search areas where you would normally take your dog for a walk or, if you’ve moved recently, ask around at your old address;

    • ask your neighbours to check anywhere where your dog may have got trapped, such as sheds or garages;

    • check building sites if you have any close to where you live.

  • When searching for your dog, make sure you take treats and your dog’s favourite toy as familiar scents and sounds may alert them of your presence and help you reunite sooner.

  • It is of upmost importance that you inform the microchip company about the loss as soon as possible. This can prevent someone trying to change or update the chip details. DEFRA will hold a list of compliant microchip companies if you are unsure.

  • Contact www.lostdog.co.uk to register you dog as missing. Also contact your local rescue centres and the local dog warden (numbers listed our Useful Contacts page).

  • Check with local vets and ask that they make a note of the animal. Most vets will post on social media for you to help spread the work quickly. Again, there is a selection of Veterinary Surgeries listed on our Useful Contacts page for your ease.

  • Report the missing animal to the Police. They may be aware of dogs being stolen in the local area and be able to help you or advise you of areas to check.

  • Print posters and locate them in areas local to the missing animal.

  • Use social media and other forums to spread the word. Social media will be one of the biggest and quickest ways to spread the word within the wider community. The sooner you act the better. Examples of Facebook groups include:

  • Lost Dog UK

    • Pets Lost and Found Nationwide UK

    • Dog Friendly Folkestone & Hythe District

    • Folkestone Dog Walkers

    • Missing Dogs and Strays in Canterbury

    • Dog Friendly UK

    • AW Helping Dogs in Need

    • Pets Lost Found Stolen in Folkestone & Hythe in Kent

    • Lost and found Pets in Dover and Deal Area

    • Missing Pets Folkestone

    • Kents Pets - Lost Found and Stolen UK

    • Missing Cats and Dogs Folkestone & Surrounding Areas

    • Lost & Found Pets in Hawkinge & Surrounding Areas

    • Facebook Marketplace (has a big audience)

  • Within all of these Facebook groups you will find amazing contacts that will go over and above to help and even help search for your animal. It’s worth saying, that these Facebook pages may not necessarily be local to you but the more communities you alert the better. If you don’t have social media, contact somebody who does.

  • Petlog also send out alerts to a network of people - again, this is all helpful when you have a missing animal to spread the word.

  • The website www.doglost.co.uk is very good for tips and advise, which can help you reunite with your beloved pet sooner.

What to do if you find a lost dog?

  • Try to contact the owner from the details on the collar or harness. Remember you are required by law to try and contact the owner and also report to the local dog warden.

  • Report the find to the local dog warden who may come and collect the animal from you. (numbers listed our Useful Contacts page).

  • Take the dog to your local vet or rescue centre to be scanned for a microchip.

  • Report the dog as missing to your local authority, local rescue centres and vets in case they get contacted by the owner (you can find a list on our Useful Contacts page).

  • Spread the word - the fastest way is social media.

  • Never just hand a dog over without proof that the dog belongs to the person claiming to be the owner. If the owner is the person they are claiming to be, then they will understand the reason for this and be only too happy to provide the details and information. At the end of the day, you are looking out for their animal’s welfare.

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