LOST DOG INFORMATION

IF YOUR DOG GETS OUT

ALWAYS KEEP THE GPA TAG ON YOUR GREYHOUND

• Call the GPA Hotline immediately: (800) 298-5743, (800) 366-1472 or (562) 694-3519.  (The good news is that most greyhounds are found before the owners know they are gone.  The #800 and greyhound identification number help us to locate you right away.)
•  Each of these numbers ring into the GPA office.  Tom, Joyce and other GPA volunteers will work with you to develop a plan to find your greyhound.

WHEN YOU CALL GPA, BE READY WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• A description of your dog.
• An estimate as to the time your dog got out.
• Where it was last seen.
• Any specific characteristics of the dog.
• A list of the locations you take your dog on his walk.
• The location at which you found your dog, if he got out before.

NOW WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?????

***Enlist someone to call all the local shelters.***

• Change the message on your telephone to indicate that you are out looking for your dog, and be sure to add your cell phone…..don’t forget to take the phone with you.
• Follow the path you take when you walk your dog.  Tell everyone you see that your dog is out and how to get in touch with you if he is seen.  Especially talk to MAIL CARRIERS, POLICE PERSONS, DELIVERY PEOPLE, KIDS, POOL MEN,  etc.

If this first go round does not result in finding your dog, return home, go to our web site and print out the generic lost dog flyer.

• Fill in all fields
• Print on brightly colored paper and cover with plastic if rain is expected.
• If the dog is shy, add “Do Not Chase” to the flyer.
• Post the flyers at least a mile or two further than you think your greyhound can go. 

**Enlist someone to VISIT  the local shelters daily. (Often shelter workers are    unfamiliar with what a greyhound looks like.**

KEEP IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH YOUR GPA CONTACT.  HE OR SHE HAS A BIG BAG OF TRICKS THAT HAVE WORKED MANY TIMES IN THE PAST.  REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, THERE ARE MANY, MANY GPA VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE READY TO HELP.

The following is a partial list of observations and suggestions we have gathered over the years that have proven to be successful in getting greyhounds back with their families:

1. Shy dogs usually hide the first day or so.  We have had shy dogs out and about for two to three weeks.  These dogs usually come up to people when they are tired and hungry.
2. Bad weather is not necessarily bad for getting a dog to decide that being out and about is really not the fun he thought it would be.  Dogs that get out and have a good time, are more likely to try again.
3. If you sight your greyhound, and he won’t come to you…usually because the dog is shy or having too much fun…yell to the people around you, “Fifty bucks to the first person to get my dog!!!)  Works every time, especially with teenagers!
4. If you have another dog in the house, be sure to bring him along on the search.  The GPA volunteers will always bring along at least one of their greyhounds.
5. There are never enough posters around.  Post, Post, Post.  The longer your greyhound is out, the farther he will be from your home. Post in vets’ offices, gas stations, markets, dog parks and any place people gather.
6. Shelters and individuals who find your greyhound, always call the GPA office.

Lost Greyhound Poster (full size)

Lost Greyhound Poster (4 per sheet)

Yard Sign English / Spanish

Found Greyhound Poster

Plan ahead!  Create a lost animal kit and have it ready before an emergency hits!

Items in your kit should include:

• A squawker which is available on our web-site.
• Pre-printed flyers with photographs of your dogs.
• Packaging tape or staple gun
• An additional leash and collar
• A flashlight
• GPA contact numbers
• A list of telephone numbers of friends and neighbors who will help you in your search
• Telephone numbers of your local police department, fire department etc..

And most importantly, DOWNLOAD the complete version of this list and keep it in a conspicuous area: your refrigerator, your front door, wherever you'll remember to look when with you're faced with an emergency!

(800) 298-5743 or (562) 694-3519

© 2005 GPA/CA-OC&GLA. All Rights Reserved.