The Walking ClubShort answer: start searching right away and tell as many people as you can. Dogs Trust and the RSPCA both list the steps below.
First check the house, garden and nearby hiding places: cupboards, garages, sheds and spaces under furniture or a deck. Ask everyone at home when they last saw your dog and check gates and doors. If your dog is missing, start searching nearby familiar walking routes and places they know. Take a leash, a recent photo and treats.
Report your dog missing to the local animal control service or equivalent authority, nearby shelters and animal welfare organisations. Give them a clear description, photo, microchip details and a way to contact you. Ask neighbours and local dog walkers to report sightings, and check with shelters again as the search continues.
If someone spots your dog and they look frightened, do not chase them. Keep your movements calm, give them space and avoid forcing an approach that could make them run farther away. Ask the finder for the exact place and time of the sighting, then contact a local lost-dog or animal welfare service for help if you cannot approach safely.
Contact your microchip database and report your dog missing. Dogs Trust says they can notify you if someone tries to change your dog's chip details. Check that your contact details are right.
Dogs Trust suggests contacting all the vets in your area and asking to put up a poster, asking shops and libraries to display one, telling local dog walkers, and posting clear photos and details on social media. The RSPCA also suggests using lost and found services for pets.
Keep a recent photo and make sure your dog's ID and chip are current. Practice recall in safe places: see emergency recall and bolting out the door.
If your dog was hurt or is found injured, take them to a vet.
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