Training Tips: K-9 Information to Travel With

Ideas supplied by Adela Morris (adela@prusik.com)
Write up by Lisa Lee (377@carda.org) 08April2003

As search dog handlers, we travel a lot with our dogs. Along with your dog, you should always carry:
1) a pre-made custom “LOST DOG” poster,
2) your dog’s medical records, and
3) a copy of your dog’s registration and tags.

LOST DOG POSTER

If you think your well-trained and obedient search dog will never go missing, think again! There have been several instances of lost / missing search dogs, including at least one stolen from a handler’s truck. If you have traveled to a training or a search, will you have the information and pictures readily available to make a lost poster quickly? Probably not. So, make a poster ahead of time and carry it with you. Here are some thoughts to consider when pre-making your lost dog flier(s):

• Put “LOST DOG” in large font at the top of the flier
• Include your dog’s name (although some advise against including this)
• Include a description of your dog:
  o Breed (mix?) / color / markings / general look. Do not put “mutt.” Use generic terms like “striped”, not dog jargon like “brindle”
  o Gender (neutered or intact?)
  o Eye color
  o Approximate weight
  o Birth date (not age)
  o Micro-chip implant number
  o Identifying marks / tattoo
  o Distinguishing behavior
  o You may want to withhold some information so you can question a caller to confirm they have your dog
• Use good, clear, recognizable photos that copy well
• Offer a reward, if you can, but do not post how much the reward is
• Be sure to note on the flier if your dog is on any medications or needs regular veterinary care
• Leave space for a phone number, but do not include it on the pre-made version. You don’t know what the contact number will be, since cell phones or pagers may not work where you are when your dog is lost. When you need the posters, add a phone number clearly and legibly by hand; then make copies
• Some key sentences for your fliers to be handed out:
  o Please call even if you think you might have seen our dog
  o You can help by looking in any hiding places such as a garage, shed, under cars, under your home, or in wooded areas of your property, as he might be injured, or hiding
  o Keep this flier on your refrigerator. In the event you might see him, it will be readily available to you
  o Phone any time of the day or night, we are extremely worried about her
• Consider making a second flier targeted at passing drivers. Just include the words “LOST DOG,” maybe “REWARD”, a huge picture, and leave a place for a phone number (to be hand written in later.)
• Never include your name or address on the flier
• You might consider writing in the date and place your dog was last seen before making copies
• Print one or two originals and make copies when you need them. Make color copies if you can afford them. Always keep the original so you can make more copies, if needed
• Make some test copies to insure that the pictures and text copy clearly. Make sure the ink of the copies does not run when it gets wet.
  
  It can also be helpful to carry a picture of you and your dog together, to serve as proof of ownership.
  Make sure the phone number listed on the posters is always manned or change the answering machine message to confirm that the caller has reached the correct number regarding the lost dog.
  
  MEDICAL RECORDS
  It is also important to carry a copy of your dog’s medical records with you. These records are invaluable if your dog requires medical attention when you are away from home, or even when at home and an emergency vet must see your dog. All vets should be happy to provide you with copies; you just need to remember to ask after each visit. The records should specifically include any hazardous materials your dog has been exposed to. Inoculation records should also be part of the records; they can act as a proof if it is required before reclaiming your dog.
  
  REGISTRATION and TAGS
  Lastly, keep a copy of your dog’s county registration papers and tags together with these records. If your dog loses it’s collar and is impounded, copies of current registration and tags can really help in the process of getting your dog released quickly.
  I have a large plastic envelope that I keep all these items in and they stay in my car.
  

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