Searching for a Missing Dog in the Countryside

Start with the last known point

Fix the last confirmed location precisely, ideally with a map reference or a what3words location. Everything else is judged from that point.

Identify likely routes

• Public footpaths and bridleways.
• Field boundaries, hedge lines and ditches.
• Farm tracks and gateways.
• Roads and lane junctions.
• Rivers, streams and drainage channels.
• Woodland edges.
• Farm buildings and yards.

Searching fields

Standing crops, stubble and rough grazing all hide a dog easily at ground level. Walk field edges first, then look across the field from a raised point where one exists. Open fields are also the terrain where drone search for missing dogs is most likely to add something.

Farmland and livestock

Ask permission before entering land, keep to paths where you can and close gates behind you. Do not disturb livestock, and do not enter unsafe or private areas without the landowner's agreement.

Speak to farmers and farm workers directly. They know their ground and are often the people who spot a stray dog first.

Moorland and large open areas

On moorland, distances are deceptive and weather changes quickly. Search in pairs, plan a route and set a time to check in with someone who is not out on the hill.

Water and roads

Rivers, ponds and fast lanes are worth checking early. They are easy routes to travel along and they carry real risk, so they deserve attention before more distant ground.

Search area getting too large?

Searching a large area only on foot can become slow and difficult. In suitable locations, drones can help cover open ground from above and may also use thermal imaging where conditions allow. Which conditions actually suit an aerial search is covered in best conditions for a drone search.

Drone use still depends on weather, airspace, terrain, vegetation, safety and other operational restrictions.