Writing a lost or found notice that works

A good notice can be read from a moving car and acted on in seconds.

Include

• LOST DOG or FOUND DOG in huge letters.
• One clear photo, face and body visible.
• A short description: size, color, coat, collar.
• The general area (cross streets or a park) and the date.
• One way to reach you.

Leave out

• Your home address.
• One identifying detail, so you can check callers.
• Long paragraphs. Save the story for online posts.

Where to post

• Within about a mile of where the dog was lost or found: intersections, dog parks, vet offices, pet stores, grocery store boards.
• At children's eye level near schools (people walking with kids notice dogs).
• Online: Fénix Animal Project (opens in a new tab), Petco Love Lost (opens in a new tab), local lost-and-found groups and Nextdoor.

Keep it fresh

Replace faded flyers, re-share posts every few days, and take everything down once the dog is home.

Ready to make one? Try the flyer builder.