expectations
what you can expect from red collar:
- We are volunteers and do not actively search for your lost dog.
- We will help you create bright, attention‑drawing flyers.
- Once your dog is located in a defined area and appearing somewhat predictably, we will review online maps to understand the dogs trends, topography & strategize for next steps.
- Trapping is not always required for a dogs rescue. Our volunteers will help you navigate your search and walk you step by step as your case progresses.
- Our team is trained to deploy our humane traps and monitoring equipment for a humane trapping rescue. Confirmed sightings are required and our team of volunteers will determine if your case meets the criteria for a deployed trap.
- We provide guidance and direction on the best action steps to take in the field to aid in your dog’s recovery.
- Your consultant will follow up with you frequently to ensure that you are following and taking action on the LOST DOG ACTION PLAN & CHECKLIST.
- If your consultant determines that you are not actively participating in the recommended actions, we may need to discontinue our services. Our volunteers give their time generously—often stepping away from personal commitments and family—to support you in bringing your dog home. If you are not fully engaged in the process or following the guidance provided, we will respectfully step back from your rescue strategy so that our efforts can be directed where they can make the greatest impact.
Here’s your part in making this successful
- You agree to be available by phone or text daily.
- You agree to actively participate in the search each day.
- You agree to hang 100 flyers within 48 hours in the locations and zones directed by your Red Collar Consultant.
- We strongly encourage and ask you to consider supporting Red Collar Rescue & Recovery through a donation, as equipment is expensive and a reflection of the effort and time our volunteers spend dedicated to helping your rescue efforts. Paying it forward donations ultimately help us to help more families and pets. We are entirely run on donations from our community.
- Visit https://theredcollar.org/ways-to-donate-1 to donate.
- You agree to assist with rescue efforts as needed, which may include (but is not limited to):
Refilling a feeding/water station daily if needed.
Following up promptly on sightings by foot or phone
Reporting sightings to your Red Collar Consultant as soon as possible
- You have read and agree to start taking steps as outlined in the LOST DOG ACTION PLAN & CHECKLIST located in the menu.
Stray support
As much as our heart breaks to see a stray dog wandering, our heart , souls and our capacity lies with rescuing owner lost dogs.
Just like local animal shelters do not rescue owner lost dogs, we do not focus on rescuing strays. We allow local animal control/shelters to focus on the rescue of strays while we dedicate our time and efforts to owner lost dogs. Our local animal shelters are overcrowded and by us bringing in strays, we are not helping the problem.
If you are a 501(c)(3) dog rescue and are in need of assistance to rescue a lost dog, please fill out our Request for Assistance.
We hope to expand our services in the future to impact the lives of strays, but until that time, we can only accept cases for owner lost dogs. We appreciate your understanding.