About National Lost Dogs Awareness Day
April 23 is National Lost Dog Awareness Day in the United States.
Over 10 million pets become lost or stolen every year. To put that into perspective, American Humane estimates that as many as one in three pets become lost at some point during their lifetimes.
While the statistics can be scary, most dogs (90%) are safely recovered. However, the likelihood of this depends on a variety of factors, including how pet owners react and how prepared they are in the first place.
The first National Lost Dog Awareness Day took place on April 23, 2014. Launched by volunteer organization Lost Dogs of America, this day aims to bring attention to the number of dogs that go missing every year while also celebrating those that are successfully returned home.
“When a dog goes missing, many families give up looking,” states National Lost Dog Awareness Day co-creator Susan Taney in a press release. “National Lost Dog Awareness Day was created to give hope to the families still looking for their dogs and remind the public that not all stray dogs are homeless.”
If your dog goes missing in the USA, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of finding them:
Start searching immediately: The sooner you begin searching for your dog, the better your chances of finding them. Begin searching your local area, including your neighborhood, nearby parks, and any other places your dog might frequent.
Contact animal shelters and rescue organizations: Call local animal shelters and rescue organizations to report your dog missing. Provide them with a description of your dog, including any identifying features, such as a collar or microchip.
Post on social media: Post about your missing dog on social media, including a photo and description of your dog, the date and location they went missing, and any other relevant details. Share the post with local pet groups and animal rescue organizations.
Put up flyers: Create and distribute flyers with your dog's photo and description in your local area. Include your contact information and offer a reward for anyone who finds your dog.
Search online lost and found pet databases: There are several online databases where you can report your missing dog and search for found pets in your area. Check these regularly to see if your dog has been found.
Don't give up: Keep searching for your dog and don't give up hope. Many dogs are reunited with their owners after days or even weeks of being lost.
Remember to always keep your dog's identification tags up-to-date and consider microchipping your dog to make it easier to identify them if they become lost.
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