Your dog is gone. Your heart is racing and your mind is blank. Every minute counts right now — and right now you need a clear plan. These 10 steps are the most important actions in the first few hours.
The first 30 minutes
1. Stay calm. It sounds impossible, but it's the most important step. Your dog can sense your panic — if they're nearby, they're more likely to hide than come to you when you're searching frantically.
2. Search the last known location. Be systematic: Where was the dog last seen? Which route do you normally take? Dogs often follow familiar paths.
3. Alert your neighbours immediately. Knock on doors, show the photo on your phone. The more eyes searching, the better. Ask neighbours to check garages, sheds and outbuildings.
4. Leave your clothing at the location. Place a worn t-shirt or blanket where the dog was last seen. Your familiar scent can travel hundreds of metres and guide your dog back.
5. Create a TierFinder report. Upload a photo, mark the location — our AI instantly compares it against all found-animal reports. The sooner you act, the better.
The first few hours
6. Contact pet registers. In DACH: Call TASSO (06190 / 937 300, 24 hours) and FINDEFIX (0228 / 60 49 635). In the UK: contact the local council and check PetsLocated, DogLost or the RSPCA. Report your dog as missing immediately.
7. Contact shelters in the area. Phone the shelters in your town and neighbouring towns. Found animals are often handed in within hours.
8. Put up search posters. Photo, name, phone number — do NOT advertise a reward (it attracts scammers). Post them on lamp posts, supermarket boards, vet practices and parks.
9. Use social media. Facebook groups for lost dogs exist in nearly every area. Instagram stories, WhatsApp status updates — the more people who see it, the better.
10. Search at night. Surprisingly effective: it's quieter at night, fewer people and cars. Frightened dogs are more likely to come out. Search with a torch and treats, call softly.
Expert tips most people don't know
- Park your car with the door open near where the dog went missing. For many dogs, the car is a safe, familiar space.
- Put food and water at the last known location. Don't wait right next to it — that can scare the dog away.
- Have the chip number ready. If someone finds your dog and takes them to a vet, the chip will be scanned. It only helps if the number is registered.
- Don't chase if you spot the dog. Sit down and call softly. Many dogs will come to you on their own.
Statistics that give hope
Most dogs are found within 72 hours. After 7 days the probability drops — but successful reunions happen even after weeks. Don't give up.
TierFinder + TASSO — stronger together
TierFinder doesn't replace TASSO — we complement it. TASSO works via the microchip. TierFinder works via AI image recognition. 54% of all pets in Germany are not registered. For exactly these animals, our image matching can make all the difference.