Print this page on your computer printer and you are ready to start! Don't wait,
do it now!
Create a Lost Pet poster using a recent photograph of your pet and print at least
100 copies at a local print shop. Keep it short and use the largest lettering that
will fit on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet. Do this whether or not you have a recent photo of
your pet.
In this step and all others, leave not only your telephone number, but the number of someone who can be contacted if you are out searching for your dog. Do not disclose your name or address.
In your description, include "Large Black & Tan Dog" for people who have no idea what an Airedale looks like.
Offer a reward, but do not state the amount.
If your dog was groomed when lost and it has been several weeks, replace the posters with one also containing a picture of an ungroomed Airedale.
Distribute the posters within a one-mile radius. Place them in convenience markets, gas stations, laundromats, veterinarians, etc. Give a copy to every school-age child you can. Don't travel alone. Take a friend or family member with you.
Make noise as you are walking the neighborhood: Call your dog's name, squeak a favorite toy, shake his box of treats.
Stop regularly, be quiet and listen.
Carry a powerful flashlight (even in daylight) to check under cars, porches and other dark spots.
If you lost your dog away from home, leave some of your dirty clothes where you last saw him!
Call your local municipal Animal Control Shelter at
and give them information on your lost pet.
Call the local Humane Society and file a Lost Pet Report with their Lost & Found Department at
Place an ad in the local newspaper Lost & Found, at
Check your newspaper Lost & Found section daily.
If your pet has a microchip or tattoo, call the Home Again at 1-866-738-4324, AKC Companion Animal Recovery at 1-800-252-7894 and 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424.
Have the microchip or tattoo identification number handy. It doesn't matter what brand of
microchip you have implanted and call even if you are already registered just to make sure your telephone numbers are current. If your dog has an Avid microchip, also call Avid at 1-800-336-2843
Do not rely on shelter workers to properly identify an Airedale.
Find out the holding period of each animal control and humane shelter. Be aware of how much time you have to claim your pet before it can be adopted or euthanized!
Even if your dog was wearing a collar and tags when lost, don't assume he is still wearing them.
If the holding period for a dog without tags is three days, you or a family member should visit every two days.
Don't give up. Someone may hold your dog for several days or weeks before turning the dog over to the shelter.