The short answer
Switch the tracker to live mode, go toward the last location with treats and a leash, and don't chase when you see your dog; crouch and call calmly. If the tracker is out of battery or signal, use its last known location, call shelters and post locally, and make sure the microchip details are current.
The first 15 minutes
- Open the app and turn on live tracking.
- Take a leash, treats and your phone (charged).
- Head toward the latest location; send a second person if you can.
- When you see your dog, stop. Crouch, turn sideways and call calmly; running after a scared dog drives it further.
If the tracker can't help
- Use the last known location as a starting point.
- Call local shelters, animal control and vets.
- Post in neighborhood groups with a recent photo.
- Check your microchip registration is current.
- Leave a worn item of yours at the escape point.
Set up before it happens
Set safe-zone alerts so you know the moment your dog leaves home. PAJ and other cellular trackers support geofence alerts. Keep the tracker charged and the plan active.
SafetyNever step into traffic to catch a dog. Call it toward you instead.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
Should I chase my lost dog?
No. Many scared dogs run further when chased; crouch and call calmly.
What if the tracker battery is dead?
Start from the last known location and use shelters, neighbors and the microchip.