* Use as few words as possible, and choose them carefully. Start with LOST DOG then follow with the dog’s breed and name. If he’s a mutt, provide a brief physical description – e.g., brown, long-haired, 45 pounds – along with the dog’s name.
* Since one picture really does do the job of a thousand words, a photograph of your lost dog is essential. Print out the digital shot that’s most representative of how your dog looks and include it on the flyer.
* Offer a cash reward in big letters on the flyer as incentive, but don’t specify an amount (some people may not think it’s enough). And be sure to list your cellular phone number as well as an alternate contact.
* When you print out the flyer, don’t use an ink-jet printer, because the ink will run if the flyer gets wet, making it illegible. If you can, protect the flyers that you post outdoors with clear plastic sleeves from the office-supply store.
* Use clear packing tape to affix the flyer to electrical poles and other places where flyers naturally gravitate. Bear in mind that all flyers have a short life, especially on city streets, so return to where you posted the next day, or later the same day, to make sure they haven’t been torn down. Re-post where necessary.
* As much as you can, ask for permission to post your flyer indoors (i.e. in apartment building mail rooms and behind convenience-store windows), especially in locations that draw dog lovers, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, dog day-care centers, and pet-supply stores.
* Finally don’t forget to post the flyer in or near your local dog park, where fellow dog-lovers can help you spread the word – and hopefully, help locate your lost pet.
