What to do when you Lose a Pet
What to do if you lose your puppy or dog:
Losing a pet can be distressing, but don't lose heart.
Stay calm and follow the suggested steps listed below to help you with finding your pet.
Conducting a search
Talk to your neighbors, especially the children who play in the neighborhood. Go door to door. Leave your name, address, and telephone number, with a description of your puppy or dog. Search in the evening when it's quiet. Call or whistle. If your pet is injured or frightened, it may be hiding. Drive slowly around the neighborhood - sometimes a dog may recognize the sound of your vehicle.
Visiting local shelters
Visit the Stark County Sheriff's Office Dog Warden Division located at 1801 Mahoning Road NE in Canton, or the Humane Society located on Peach Street in Nimishillen Township. You must go in person, because only you can identify your dog. Look through all the cages, and ask to see any injured or sick dogs they may have isolated from the other dogs. Be sure to go every day or every other day. These shelters will hold strays for 3 days - after that, they become available for adoption or may be destroyed. Leave a written report at these shelters. Keep checking. Your dog may not be found for several days.
Posting signs
Make a poster to alert people to be on the lookout for your dog. Place copies of the poster within a twenty block radius of where the dog was last seen (or lost). Put them up on local community bulletin boards, in grocery stores, etc. Place a poster at the Stark County Sheriff's Office Dog Warden Division and the Humane Society. A black and white photo will reproduce better than a color one. If you don't have a photo, try to get a picture from a breed book to give people a rough idea of what your dog looks like. If your dog is an unusual breed, or is a "mixed", you should write the breed the dog looks like the most (i.e. looks like a Lab-type). Never write "mutt" or "mongrel" for your dog. Only the main colors of the dog should be included. Don't try to be too descriptive; you want anyone who thinks they may have your dog to call.
If someone calls you about your dog
Try to get a positive identification on your dog from the caller. Have specific details in mind (a scar or peculiar feature) that will identify your dog from one similar to yours. Do not put all the details on your poster. There are extortionists who may claim to have your dog. Think of a special question that only someone with your dog will able to answer. If you offer a reward, make sure you have your dog back before you turn over any money.