What to do first?
The first 30–60 minutes often determine whether the search stays local. Many owners instinctively run shouting the dog's name or drive around the whole city – this can push the animal to hide even deeper.
Start with facts: where exactly you last saw the dog, what time it was, whether there was noise, and whether the collar was on.
- Note the last location, time, and possible direction of travel.
- Walk quietly within a 100–300 m radius – twice, in different directions.
- Check hiding spots: under cars, in bushes, in building gaps.
- Call several nearest neighbours – not only on social media.
- If you need a poster – use the free missing pet poster generator with a photo and phone number.
Where to search?
Dogs rarely run in a straight line. They more often move along fences, park edges, or quiet courtyard networks. In the city, fear can push them several blocks away in a short time.
- Under cars and attached carports.
- In park bushes, along water bodies.
- On construction sites, in empty garages and basements.
- Near food sources: bins, shop back yards.
- Along paths where the dog walked with you before.
Posters and spreading the word
Prepare a clear message as soon as possible: colour photo, date and place of disappearance (specific street, not just the city), breed, colour, collar, phone number.
To share information quickly with neighbours, create a missing pet poster and post it in visible places and on social media.
- Local Facebook groups ("Missing dog" and similar).
- Notice boards near shops, bus stops, stairwells.
- Notify neighbours and people walking dogs in the park.
- Platforms where missing animals are registered (e.g. globok.lt).
Vets, shelters, and the registry
- Notify the nearest veterinary clinics – found animals are often brought there.
- Contact local shelters and municipal services.
- If the dog is microchipped – mark it as missing in the Pet Registry (via e-government portal).
- If the animal is not chipped – contact police and shelters per VMVT recommendations.
How to behave so the dog does not run farther?
A large group, shouting, and running often make things worse. A frightened dog can stay silent even when you are metres away.
- Do not use fireworks or loud signals to "call" the dog.
- Do not shout the name loudly – whistle or use a familiar quiet signal instead.
- Leave doors open and fresh water available.
- If you see the dog – sit down, do not run.
When to change your search strategy?
If 2–4 hours pass with no news, expand the radius and activate wider information sharing. Mark on a map where you have already searched.
If the dog went missing at night or after fireworks – see the separate advice on night searches (different safety and visibility).
Practical tip: If the dog is still not found after the first day, review whether you are searching too narrow an area. Expand the map systematically.
When is a thermal drone worth using?
A thermal camera measures infrared radiation – temperature differences on a surface. It does not produce a normal "animal image" like a phone. A live dog can stand out from ground or vegetation if not fully covered.
A drone helps quickly check larger areas – fields, park complexes, forest edges – when walking would take hours. This is especially relevant when several hours have passed and you do not know which direction the dog went.
- Area larger than a few hectares or hard to cover on foot.
- Forest edge, tall grass, ditches – limited visibility on the ground.
- Need to systematically survey an area and get GPS coordinates for further ground search.
Practical tip: A thermal drone can help check larger areas faster, but it is not a guarantee the animal will be detected. Every finding still needs to be verified on the ground.
What to know about thermal imaging limits?
Dense bushes, roofs, and walls block the signal. A hot day reduces contrast. A thermal camera sometimes shows a heat spot that is not your dog – a deer, cat, or warm pipe.
What to do if you cannot find your pet?
Expand poster geography, contact shelters, and continue searching systematically. Many dogs are found within days or weeks.
To understand why the search became harder (fear, terrain, search radius), read the guide "Why it is hard to find a missing pet" – it helps plan the next days.