We receive calls on our hotline from people looking for their lost Lab. We usually do not have any information on a lost Lab, as the persons who would most likely come in contact with the lost Lab are your police department, animal control officer, strangers and neighbors. Animal control officers are required to hold a lost animal for 10 days in the state of Massachusetts (may differ in other states) before giving that animal up to a shelter or rescue group. Therefore when Lab Rescue is notified of a stray it has been lost for at least a week. Here are some helpful suggestions you should follow as soon as possible if your dog is lost.

1.Notify your police department and police departments in surrounding towns. Furthermore ask when the police shift changes so you can call back and let the next shift know the vital information on your lost dog. Do not assume they will keep everyone informed.

• Give your dog's breed or mix, size, color, dog's name, sex and any distinct markings or characteristics the dog may have. Is the dog aggressive if approached by strangers?
• Does the dog have a collar with an id tag or dog license number or perhaps it may have an invisible fence electronic collar still on.
• State where it was last seen (give exact details) and where might it be headed.
• Leave your home number and/or cell phone number.

2. Find out who your animal control officer is from the police department and how to get in touch with them. Do not assume the police will notify the animal control officer. Call the animal control officer with the above info.

• Find out from the police and /or animal control officer where lost dogs are taken to when they are picked up and how long are they kept there.
• Many towns do not have an animal shelter and may use space allotted their town at a local vet's office, or they may use a regional/county animal shelter, or they may hold them in a kennel at the police station or animal control officer's house. It is your job to find out where and go physically check to see if by chance your dog has been picked up. Check frequently.
  

3. Notify your neighbors, mailman, UPS drivers, kids, local businesses and others.

• Walk your neighborhood and streets nearby. Have treats and leash ready if you spot your dog.
• Be very positive and friendly to your dog. Use your car and going "for a ride" as bait to get him back to you.
• Lure him away from busy streets if he will bolt or run away.
• STAY OFF YOUR PHONE! Use your cell phone, other phone lines, or answer your call waiting. Check your message machine frequently.
• KEEP CHECKING BACK WITH POLICE, ANIMAL CONTOL OFFICERS, NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS AND FAVORITE PLACES OF YOUR DOG. NEVER ASSUME PEOPLE WILL KNOW HE IS LOST. ASK PEOPLE YOU MEET IF THEY HAVE SEEN YOUR DOG.