93 percent of dogs and 75 percent of cats reported lost were returned safely to their homes. Only 6 percent of dog owners and 2 percent of cat owners found their lost pets at shelters. 15 percent of dogs were found because they were sporting identification tags or microchips.
The chances of discovering a stray dog within the first 24 hours are approximately 93%, according to the ASPCA. These chances drops to about 60% after that. This is based on a multi-year, nationwide study that examined tens of thousands of lost dogs.
Are the odds in your favor?
According to statistics, a sizable portion of lost dogs and cats have been successfully reunited with their owners. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) conducted a survey in 2012 that found the following:
Only 15% of the surveyed households reported a dog or cat missing in the previous five years.
Nearly as many reported missing cats (14%), as reported missing dogs (15%)
There is a 93% chance of finding a lost dog, but there is also a 75% chance of finding a lost cat.
About 49% of dog owners and 30% of cat owners used neighborhood searches to locate their missing animals.
About 59% of cat owners had the good fortune to have their missing pet come home on their own.
Dogs with identification tags or microchips have a 15% increased chance of being located.
These lost pet statistics from ASPCA are very likely encouraging if you’re currently dealing with the problem of a missing pet. If you don’t waste time taking action and reporting your lost pet to all relevant channels, chances of finding a lost dog after 24 hours isn’t bad at all.
9) Search At The Right Times
When dogs are alone, their natural instincts will come back and cause them to be most active during dusk and dawn. Search in the most likely places during these times.Make sure to bring a powerful flashlight. With a good flashlight, you can illuminate a much larger area and spot a dog. It will also help you get around in outdoor areas and keep you save from tripping over things.
This is very counter-intuitive but crucial: don’t run or walk after your dog if you find him or her but they start to run away.
Chasing your dog can scare him/her off!
A dog can become stressed and anxious after being lost and left alone for 24 hours. The dog simply seeks safety and steers clear of anything even slightly threatening. It doesn’t mean that the dog hates you.
If you pursue the dog, you can easily frighten it. Some dogs experience such severe trauma that they never want to see people again.
What do dogs do when lost?
An outgoing dog will actively seek out other people and let them know they are lost, starving, and desperate to get home. They are consequently more likely to be saved, looked after, brought to a nearby shelter, or even adopted by a new family.
FAQ
What are the odds of finding lost dog?
People are more likely to step in when a community or outdoor cat is present rather than a roaming dog. According to Lost Pet Research & Recovery, 93% of lost dogs are found alive, and 20% of them find their way home by themselves.
How long do dogs usually go missing?
According to statistics, the majority of lost pets are found within 30 days. However, the duration varies significantly depending on whether it’s a dog or a cat. A stray dog will typically be noticed and even helped by most people.
Can a dog find its way home if lost?
Dogs are renowned for their capacity to return to a beloved house or individual. The majority of experts on animal behavior believe that animals’ keen sense of smell plays a significant role in how well they can navigate.
Do lost dogs travel at night?
Also more likely to move around in the early morning or late evening are lost dogs and cats. You’ll have a better chance of finding your pet quickly with careful planning and the assistance of other people (and animals). Don’t give up trying if you can’t find him the first night.