Finding a Dog After a Disaster

Disaster Preparedness - By Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 14:32

With all of the mudslides, floods and disasters in the news we decided to focus on the topic.  Disasters happen so fast that it is easy to be separated from loved ones and pets.  It is a frightening situation and both people and animals get confused.  If you find yourself in a disaster situation and separated from your pet you need to focus on yourself until the danger is gone and then you can begin to work to find your dog.

Returning to the scene to recover a lost dog after a disaster is stressful and confusing.  Not knowing where your dog is and if it is ok can be heartbreaking but you need to move fast and keep your composure.

Working Against Time
Hopefully you have followed our guide on preparing for a disaster and have had your dog microchipped.  Even if your dog has a microchip, do not wait for someone to find it and turn it in, you need to get moving  as fast as possible to recover your dog.  The longer you wait, the more in distress and confused your dog will get.  Get as many people to search and split up the jobs to cover as much ground as possible.

Check Everywhere At Home
Disasters can frighten dogs causing them to hide in some unusual places for safety.  Make sure you do an extremely thorough search after the danger has passed.  Often a scared dog will not come out when called so get flashlights and treats and check any dark cover or hole you can think of.

Shelters And Vets
Visit your local shelters and vets with pictures of your dog.  If you cannot, visit call with a description. Often after disasters shelters and vets will be inundated with dogs and making identifications will take a long time.  Having a photo of your dog will expedite the process.

Canvas Quickly
The key is to get their photo out.  Have photos on hand and make fliers and post them everywhere you can think of.  Remember you need to go further then you think your dog would normally travel as the landscape has likely changed by the disaster and your dog might be confused.

Aid Stations And Non Profits
Contact any aid station or non-profit that has entered the area to help.  Bring them photos and a description of your dog.  Often organizations focused on rescuing pets will help out in emergencies, so be sure to contact them and let them know your dog is out there.

Internet
All those tools on the Internet should be put to use.  Post to Craigslist and any other local site notifying anyone that you can reach about your lost dog.  You never know who may spot him and where he will end up.

Do Not Give Up
Your dog may have traveled great distances to flee a disaster so make sure you don't give up hope.  There was one story of a dog that was reunited with its owner four years after Hurricane Katrina.  It is not an easy task and will be very emotionally draining but keep the search up and the reward of getting your dog back will be well worth it.