22/01/2025
It is unfortunate that individuals seeking my expertise in locating lost dogs now frequently report having previously collaborated with multiple lost dog companies and organizations. This trend appears to be a deliberate strategy wherein these organizations target distressed pet owners on Facebook via local community pages, pet-related groups, and other relevant platforms, thereby expediting their involvement at an alarming rate.
They promptly respond to every owner's post about the missing dog and collect their information and fees before the client even has an opportunity to explore alternative options, including professional pet tracking services. When these organizations fail to provide meaningful assistance, the owners contact me as a last resort. Consequently, I am tasked with attempting to locate the dog, despite the 'expert' advice and methods previously implemented by these groups.
Furthermore, these organizations will often re-engage after the dog is located, causing additional interference and confusion for the dog and owner, which can be detrimental to the outcome. After years of litigation aimed at ceasing these practices, which solely benefit the companies and organizations, not the missing dog, this tactic of diverting owners from contacting me has had no effect on their methods, as they maintain control over the communications with everyone through various means.
For lost dog owners who wish to collaborate with volunteers and companies lacking any solid background in lost pet recovery or animal behavior, it is essential to exercise caution. It is crucial to understand that once you begin working with these companies, you will be bound by their methods. Lost dog recovery necessitates prompt action, and it is imperative to avoid pursuing 'shiny objects' initially, only to expect a professional to rectify the missteps that have already occurred in the search process. When a hundred volunteers trample the search area, they ruin the track.
When a drone scares a dog out of a safe place, and it goes on the run, it’s on the run! There’s a reason why, in most footage from drone companies, the dog is up against a swamp, cliff, or water's edge. They fly all night, they have no clue what they are doing or looking for.
When pets are missing, time is of the essence, and a consultation with me can often provide the necessary guidance to facilitate a successful recovery without ever spending another dime or hiring anyone.
However, this is most effective for owners who can disregard the social media noise and pressure from the drone companies and other organizations that adhere to their generic methods of searching, which are not tailored to the specific situation.
A professional will collaborate with you to develop a customized plan and make sure to adjust as new information arises. Unlike some organizations that may opt for the path of least resistance, such as baiting a camera near a busy road instead of taking the time to place it in the woods in a safe place where paw prints were actually found, a true professional will advise you on the steps most likely to facilitate the recovery of your dog and ensure its safety during the process.
Don’t be a victim of their FB bullying tactics; it is essential to be cautious and discerning when seeking assistance in locating a lost dog. Sometimes less is more, and you are just wasting time and money. Have a safe day everyone!