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24/01/2025
Lost your recent
adoptee or foster dog?
Newly adopted dogs and foster dogs may be shy, fearful, or stressed by the changes in their lives and are at high risk for running away.
Here are three tips to bring them home
Appeal to their sense of smell
Put out scent articles such as the dog’s bed, crate, toys, and clothing from the person most bonded with the dog. If the dog is not yet bonded with you, ask the shelter, rescue, or previous foster to provide items. Place the scent articles somewhere safe along with strong-smelling food and water.
Spread the word
Distribute flyers and use intersection signs to alert passing motorists. Post on social media and the Pet FBI database. Contact your dog’s shelter or rescue.
Do NOT chase
Instruct everyone helping you to NOT call, whistle, approach, or pursue your dog. If you see your dog, immediately sit down and toss a few tasty treats out around you. Be patient and speak softly or not at all. It may take a few minutes or a few hours, but your dog might approach you.
Dogs lost from a new home or foster home generally do not travel far and may hunker down for a day or two before creeping out to the spot from which they went missing. Be patient and don’t give up! For more suggestions, please read the complete article on our website.
Source: Pet FBI's national partner Lost Dogs of America