When a dog or cat goes missing, every hour feels long. The encouraging part: most lost pets are found surprisingly close to home, and the owners who get them back quickly are usually the ones who search systematically and tell as many people as possible, as early as possible.
Step 1: Search immediately — and think like your pet
- Cats usually hide close by: under decks and sheds, in garages, bushes, cellars and neighbours' outbuildings. Search quietly at dawn and dusk with a torch — their eyes reflect light — and call softly.
- Dogs may travel further and often follow familiar walking routes or head towards places they like. Walk those routes and call their name calmly.
- Ask a family member to stay at home in case your pet comes back by itself. Leave a door or garage slightly open if it is safe.
- Put an item with your scent, or your pet's bed, outside your door.
Step 2: Check the microchip details
If your pet is microchipped, contact the database where the chip is registered and report it missing. Make sure your phone number and address are up to date — a chip only works if the details behind it are current. If you do not know which database holds the chip, your vet can tell you from your pet's records.
Step 3: Call the places a found pet is taken to
- Local animal shelters and rescue centres — call them, and visit in person if you can: descriptions over the phone can be misleading.
- Vets and animal clinics in your area, including emergency clinics. People often bring found or injured animals to the nearest vet to scan for a chip.
- Your local council or animal control service, which may collect stray animals.
The ASPCA has a useful checklist on finding a lost pet, including how to search and what to put on a flyer.
Step 4: Spread the word
- Flyers with a clear recent photo, the area, the date and your phone number — in shops, vets, schools and on lamp posts.
- Neighbours and local groups: ask neighbours to check garages and sheds; post in local community groups.
- DokiFinder: post a free lost pet report with photos and the last place your pet was seen (a free account is required). People who find a pet can match it to your report, and you are notified of likely matches. You can also browse our lost and found pets page.
Be careful with anyone who asks for money before showing you your pet. On DokiFinder a reward is only released from escrow after you confirm your pet is back with you, and finders are identity-verified before they are paid. The minimum reward for a pet is €100.
Step 5: Keep going
Pets are sometimes found days or weeks later. Keep checking shelters in person, refresh your flyers and posts, and keep your phone on. Many reunions happen after owners had almost given up.
Make your pet easier to find in future
- Microchip your pet and keep the registration details current.
- Use a collar tag with your phone number.
- Keep recent, clear photos showing distinctive markings.
- Consider a GPS tracker for dogs that roam or cats that go outdoors.
FAQ: Lost pets
How far do lost cats usually go?
Often not far. Outdoor and indoor cats alike frequently hide very close to home, so search nearby hiding places thoroughly before widening the area.
Should I offer a reward for my lost dog?
A reward can encourage people to look and to come forward. Use a method where the reward is only paid when your pet is actually returned.
My pet is microchipped. Is that enough?
Only if the chip registration has your current contact details. Call the database to report your pet missing and check them.
I found a dog or cat. What should I do?
Take it to a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip, report it to the local shelter or council, and post it as found on DokiFinder. See our guide on what to do when you find something.