WHAT TO DO IF YOUR GREYHOUND GETS LOOSE
National Greyhound Adoption Program would first like to stress the importance of always having identification tags on your greyhound. You never know when he may slip out your door and it is far better to be safe, than sorry!
If you can still see your dog once he escapes, quickly try getting his attention and then run the other way in hopes that his chase instinct will kick in. Make noises or act like you found something he would like so he will run after you.
People to Contact
If you cannot get your dog back in less than five minutes, immediately notify National Greyhound Adoption Program or your adoption group. This is important if your dog is found and someone calls around to the local greyhound adoption groups to see if anyone has reported a lost greyhound. Someone will be there to help them and you.
Your greyhound has been micro chipped and registered to either HomeAgain Pet Recovery or AKC Companion Animal Recovery. Be sure to notify whichever pet recovery program your pet is registered with that your pet is missing. If you do not know which one, call both. Animal shelters, animal control and veterinarians all have microchip readers and should be able to read this microchip and accurately identify your pet in the event that he comes into their custody.
Call all surrounding town police departments. They won't look for your pet but they will pick it up if they see it. If your Police Department is separate from Animal Control, be sure to notify your local Animal Control Officer/Dog Warden as well. Call local animal shelters and humane societies to alert them, as well as nearby park workers in case your pet ran into a park.
Give the breed, size, sex, color, name and where your greyhound was lost and last seen. Give your name and phone number in case he is found. Continue to check in with the various agencies each day or every other day for any updates.
The following numbers are important to have handy in the event that your greyhound goes missing:
NGAP Office: 215.331.7918
NGAP Kennels: 215.331.3625
HomeAgain (24/7): 1.888.466.3242
AKC Car: 1.800.252.7894
Call your friends and family - anyone that can help. Group members, volunteers, friends and family can initiate a search.
Flyers
Make up flyers and posters as well as place an ad in your local newspapers. Radio stations may even be able to give you a plug. Flyers should include the following information:
- your pet's picture
- your pet's name, size, sex
- date it became missing
- where and when last seen
- phone number where you can be reached
- any special instructions, medical conditions, etc.
If you have internet access, register your pet on www.petfinder.com or www.dogdetective.com. These websites can help you to design flyers and contact local shelters. Plastic page protectors will help preserve flyers in extreme weather. If you want to offer a reward do not specify what or how much.
Post flyers on poles, stop signs (eye level to cars), bus stops, park benches, pet shops, vet offices, convenience stores, near the mailboxes of the houses in the area where your pet was last seen, business windows in the town the dog was seen and in at least one nearby town – any place where groups of people frequent. If you receive calls of sightings, extend this to those areas.
Hand out flyers to mailman, construction workers, cable guys, telephone repairmen, etc. Keep a picture with you and show it to anyone walking on foot. The more people who know who your dog is and what he looks like, the more chances you will have of someone spotting him and calling you, or picking him up.
Your Information Hub
Someone should always be available to take or return any calls coming in regarding your lost pet. Respond immediately to any phone calls regarding sightings. Many people will just let a dog loose that they have found, thinking it will find its way home. It's important to let them know you will come get your dog immediately.
If you cannot be reached directly by phone, make sure you have an answering machine on at all times. If possible, have someone who can check it frequently and can get in touch with you if there is a sighting. Some people may call and say they saw the dog "2 hours ago". Though the dog may have moved on, check that area anyway. It's a clue to where he/she might be. Change your out-going message to include your cell phone number and include your pet's name and any instructions necessary to keep your dog safe until you can pick him up.
It is also helpful to have someone home at your house at all times. Some people may just walk your dog back to your house if they are out in the area and do not have access to a phone. Leave your garage door or gate open in the event your pet returns on its own.
Searching
If your dog is out over a day, the best times to search are early morning and after dinner when other people are out walking their dogs - one reason is that they may have seen a loose dog in the area attracted to theirs. Also, your dog will most likely be hungry and looking for food. Take a squawker with you if you know your dog is interested in the sound. 
Know your dog - some are frightened by squawkers! Listen for tags jingling and other dogs barking - this can sometimes lead you to your dog. Remember to always have a leash and collar handy as well as good, strong smelling treats for your pet. Two-way radios can also be very helpful as they allow you to communicate with everyone in your search party at the same time and prevents fumbling for cell phone numbers and phones ringing at inopportune times.
On Foot
Walk both day and night looking for your dog in the area you think he is. Call his name. Bring his favorite toy and squeak it. Have a flashlight. Be safe. Don't go to dark corners by yourself - bring your relatives or friends to help you look.
By Car
Driving your car around can be a good way to cover a large area quickly when looking for your lost pet. It is best to have two people in each car, that way each person can scan their own side of the road. Drive with your hazard lights blinking and place signs or posters on the side and/or rear of slow moving vehicles with the words "Lost Greyhound" along with a phone number so that other searchers will recognize you, as well as local people and neighbors who may have news of your pet. This will also alert neighborhood residents to the reason for all of the sudden traffic in the area. Both are good for safety and help to make other cars aware that you may make sudden stops. Keep your windows down and radio off. Keep a blanket in your car.
Humane Traps
If you have determined the places that your dog frequents but you still can't seem to get him back, check with your local humane society or animal control center about the use of a humane trap. Many adoption organizations and animal welfare groups keep a running list of humane traps and their locations. These traps are especially helpful in the case of shy or spooky dogs. Strong smelling foods and treats work especially well to lure your dog inside the trap.
Once Your Dog Has Been Found
You will be amazed at the amount of support you will get from the community regarding your lost pet, whether you are aware of their help or not. Once the status of your lost pet has changed, please take down any flyers posted and update any of the agencies previously contacted. Return any equipment used or borrowed to the appropriate agency in a timely fashion so that others may use them.
If your greyhound was out for a significant amount of time, had a lapse in his vaccinations, or appears to be injured, schedule an appointment with your local vet as soon as possible.
Lastly, hug and kiss that hound!!!
