Lost Dog Flyer: What to Include and Where to Post
A well-designed flyer can trigger calls days or weeks after it goes up. Here's exactly what to include, what to leave out, and where to post for maximum results.
Post Digital Alert TooThe 7 Elements Every Flyer Must Have
Large, High-Contrast Photo
The photo is the most important element. Use a clear, full-body shot that shows your dog's true coloring and any distinctive markings. Print it large — minimum 4×4 inches on a standard 8.5×11 flyer. A grainy, small, or dark photo defeats the purpose. If your only good photo is on your phone, take a screenshot of it on a white background to maximize contrast before printing.
"LOST DOG" in Large, Bold Text at the Top
Use the largest font size that fits — 60pt or larger for "LOST DOG." Use a font that's easy to read from a car. Arial Black, Impact, or any wide bold sans-serif font works well. Use all caps. This text needs to be readable from 10 feet away while someone is driving past.
Your Dog's First Name Only
Include your dog's name so people can call them. First name only — do not put your own name on the flyer for privacy reasons.
Breed, Color, Size, and Distinctive Markings
Example: "Female black and tan German Shepherd, 65 lbs, blue collar, white spot on chest." Be specific. Include any scars, unique fur patterns, eye color, or missing limbs. The more specific you are, the faster a finder can confirm it's your dog.
Last Seen: Location and Date
Include the specific intersection or address and the date. Example: "Last seen near Oak St and 5th Ave, March 15." This tells people where to look and how fresh the search is.
Your Phone Number — Large and Repeated
Put your phone number at both the top and bottom of the flyer in large text. Include a tear-off strip at the bottom with your number repeated — people often tear off the strip and take it with them rather than photographing the whole flyer.
"REWARD" — Without the Amount
Include the word "REWARD" to motivate people to call. Do not put the amount on the flyer — this prevents negotiation scams, where someone claims to have found your dog and demands the reward amount before meeting you. Discuss the amount only when you meet in person to verify it's your dog.
What NOT to Include
- Your full name or home address — privacy and safety risk
- The specific reward dollar amount — prevents extortion
- Information about your dog's medical conditions — could discourage finders who don't want "complications"
- Excessive text — keep it scannable in 3 seconds
Paper and Printing Tips
- Use bright neon paper — neon yellow and neon orange are most visible from a distance and stand out on bulletin boards
- Laminate or use weatherproof paper for outdoor posting — a rain-soaked flyer is useless within hours
- Print at least 100 copies for a 2-mile radius campaign; 200+ for broader coverage
- Print in color if your dog's coloring is distinctive (e.g., merle, brindle, tricolor)
Where to Post for Maximum Results
High-Priority Locations (Post First)
- Every gas station within 2 miles — high foot traffic, people stop and read
- Every grocery store entrance and community board
- Every veterinary clinic — staff see found animals and alert networks
- Every grooming salon — same reason
- Every dog park entrance — dog owners are your best network
- Every pet supply store
Secondary Locations
- Laundromats (people wait and read)
- Libraries and community centers
- Coffee shops with community boards
- Every intersection within 3 blocks of the escape point — use waterproof tape on telephone poles
- Local school entrances (parents on morning drop-off are a powerful network)
How Often to Re-Post
Re-post every 2 weeks in the same locations. Sun, rain, and wind destroy flyers. People who walk the same route regularly will notice a fresh flyer even if they ignored the old one. The second or third sighting of a flyer is what often prompts someone to actually call.
Post a Digital Alert Too
Physical flyers + a digital Afinderly alert together are far more effective than either alone.
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