Your dog is lost
We know how heartbreaking it is when your dog goes missing. Take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and we’re here to guide you through the next steps.
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Follow this checklist to get started. Every step brings you closer to finding your dog.
1
Submit Your Report To PetFBI, our partner
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Fill out the entire report form: We know it’s detailed, but providing as much information as possible helps us create effective resources for you. It also ensures our volunteers have what they need when checking with shelters, vets, and police departments.
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Have a Clear Photo Ready: Choose a recent photo of your dog. If your dog is a common breed, aim to find a picture that has any distinguishing markings. ​
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Common breeds are:
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Labrador (Black, yellow, and chocolate)
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Yorkshire Terriers
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Traditional German Shepherds
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Golden Retrievers
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We will not use pictures with children.
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Don’t use the words “Reward” or “Stolen” in your report. They won’t be included in your flyer as they can harm recovery efforts and attract scammers. It may also delay the publication of your dog's flyer.
2
Check Your Email
Once you submit your report, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This email has the critical resources to help you take action:
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No email? Check your spam or junk folder.
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A Facebook post will be immediately posted HERE.
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Flyer Creation Link: Print your flyer right away.​
3
Take Immediate Action
Flyers are your most powerful tool. Most dogs are found because someone saw a flyer. Don’t wait. The sooner you get your flyers out, the better.
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Digital: Share your flyer across your social media channels.
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Hand-delivery: To neighbors, local businesses, and shelters.
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Start with 50-100 flyers and expand if needed.
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Focus on the area where your dog was last seen
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Complete the top 5 actions that help get your dog home:
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4
Stay Engaged
Once your flyer is posted to our Facebook page by one of our volunteers, check the comments regularly. People may post sightings or tips. Respond quickly to any leads
5
When You Find Your Dog
The best part. Your reunion!
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Mark your dog as Reunited by clicking this link: Pet FBI Reunite Status
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This report helps Lost Dogs of Wisconsin (LDoW) gather valuable data to improve lost pet recovery efforts. Your input supports shelters, rescues, veterinarians, and other organizations in developing better strategies to reunite pets with their families.
Your personal information will remain private and will never be shared.
​Don’t Lose Hope
Dogs are often found days, weeks, or even months later. Stay committed, stay visible, and keep believing. Every step you take matters.​
You’ve got this. We’re with you every step of the way.
My dog Hunter is HOME!!!!!!!!!!! He found his way back after being gone for almost 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to all that helped our family! I cannot say enough about Lost Dogs Of Wisconsin! All dedicated volunteers who really care!
A note about lost dog scams.
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Unfortunately, scammers may try to take advantage of your situation. Be cautious if someone contacts you offering “boosted” services for a fee.
We will never ask for your credit card number or payment.
If it sounds suspicious, it probably is.
We are a 100% volunteer-run organization. Our services are completely free, and we are here to help. No strings attached, and no fee to pay.
You Found A dog
Thank you for helping a lost dog! Taking quick action can make all the difference in reuniting them with their family.
Follow these steps to ensure the dog gets home safely.
1
Submit a Found Dog Report with PetFBI,
our partner
Fill out our Found Dog Report so we can help locate the owner. The information you provide will be used to create flyers and social media posts to spread the word.
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Take Action While You Wait
While we process your report, here’s how you can help reunite the dog with its owner:
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Check for ID: See if the dog has a collar with tags. Call any listed numbers.
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Scan for a Microchip: Many vets and shelters offer free microchip scanning.
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Notify Local Authorities: Contact your local animal control, police department, or humane society. They are often the first place owners check.
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Post on Social Media: Share clear photos and details to neighborhood groups and community lost-and-found pages.
It can be helpful to include:
- Any visible markings on the dog
- Where you found the dog
- A description of the dogs collar, if they had one on​​
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Complete the top 5 actions that help get a found dog home:
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Report The Reunion
When the dog you found has been safely returned to their owner, please let us know by submitting a Reunion Report here: Pet FBI Reunite Status
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This report helps Lost Dogs of Wisconsin (LDoW) gather valuable data to improve lost pet recovery efforts. Your input supports shelters, rescues, veterinarians, and other organizations in developing better strategies to reunite pets with their families.
Your personal information will remain private and will never be shared.
Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Found dog law in wisconsin
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In Wisconsin, found dogs are legally considered lost property under State Statute 170 (Strays and Lost Chattels).
It is illegal to keep, rehome, or sell a found dog without following the proper legal steps.
This law is in place to ensure pets are safely returned to their owners.
I contacted you about a Found Dog about a week ago. He was not claimed. He’s now being fostered by a wonderful family that ADORES him. Because of his story, several different rescues called with offers of help.
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Again, thank you for all you do. Your efforts have made a huge difference in the pet community and LDOW is widely recognized as the BEST way to find your lost pet.
