TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding

Missing Dog Procedure Policy

Introduction

As a council-licensed home boarding business, we are required to have a number of policies and procedures in place to demonstrate how we safeguard the welfare of the dogs in our care and manage emergency situations. This policy outlines the actions that TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding will take should a dog become lost, missing, or escape while under our care.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to prevent dogs from going missing and to provide a clear procedure for locating and safely recovering any dog that becomes lost whilst boarding with us.

Prevention Measures

TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding takes all reasonable precautions to prevent dogs escaping whilst in our care. These measures include:

• Secure fencing and gates around the property.

• Regular checks of all boundaries and access points.

• Secure lead attachment before opening external doors or gates.

• Careful risk assessment of new dogs and their behaviour.

• Supervision of dogs during exercise and outdoor activities.

• Maintaining up-to-date owner contact information.

In addition, all dogs boarding with us will wear:

• Their own collar and identification tag.

• A TLC Dog Walking & Home Boarding identification tag displaying the business contact number.

Where appropriate, dogs may also wear a slip lead when entering and exiting the property or vehicle to provide additional security.

Procedure if a Dog Goes Missing

Should a dog become lost or escape whilst in our care, the following steps will be taken immediately:

Step 1: Immediate Search

• Conduct an immediate search of the property, garden, outbuildings, and surrounding area.

• Check all vehicles, crates, and secure areas.

• Put a shout out on private dog walking group

• Call the dog by name and use familiar commands.

• Use treats, toys, or other items familiar to the dog if available.

• If no one in the local group can see them, put a wider shoutout on local Facebook group

• We will NOT immediately notify the owner unless they can do anything to avoid unnecessary distress, most missing dogs are found within 30 minutes.

Step 2: Notify Owner

If the dog is not located quickly, the owner will be contacted and informed of:

• The circumstances surrounding the incident.

• The actions already taken.

• Ongoing search arrangements.

Step 3: Contact Relevant Authorities

Where necessary, the following organisations will be contacted:

• Local Dog Warden Service.

• Local veterinary practices.

• Animal wardens and rescue organisations.

• Microchip database provider.

• Police (if the circumstances suggest theft, road traffic concerns, or significant risk to the dog or public).

Step 4: Wider Search

Where appropriate, we will:

• Enlist assistance from family members and trusted colleagues.

• Distribute information to local veterinary surgeries and animal welfare organisations.

• Share information on local lost dog networks and social media groups.

• Continue searching the area until the dog is found or professional advice suggests alternative actions.

  
  

Recovery of the Dog

Once the dog has been located:

• The owner will be informed immediately.

• The dog will be assessed for any injury or signs of distress.

• Veterinary treatment will be sought where necessary.

• A written incident report will be completed.

  
  

Incident Records

Any missing dog incident will be fully documented, including:

• Date and time of incident.

• Location.

• Circumstances leading to the escape.

• Actions taken.

• Organisations contacted.

• Outcome of the incident.

• Measures introduced to prevent recurrence.

Records will be retained as part of our licensing and welfare documentation.

Responsibilities

The licence holder is responsible for ensuring:

• This policy is reviewed annually.

• Appropriate preventative measures remain in place.

• All dogs are appropriately identified whilst in our care.

• Any missing dog incident is managed promptly and professionally with the welfare of the dog as the highest priority.

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