Lost your dog in the RGV? What to do first
Losing your dog is scary. The first day matters most, so here's what to do, in order, anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley.
1. Search close to home first
Most lost dogs are found within a mile or two of where they got out. Walk your street and the blocks around it, calling their name in a calm, happy voice. Bring treats and a squeaky toy. Check under cars, porches, and bushes, since scared dogs hide and often won't come even when they hear you.
Leave a worn shirt, their bed, and a bowl of water outside your door. Your scent can help them find their way back.
2. Post them on Howlback, free
Post your dog on Howlback lost and found with a clear photo, your city, where they were last seen, and the date. It takes about 2 minutes. Every post is checked before it goes live, and people across the Valley can message you through the site without seeing your email.
3. Share everywhere
- Your city's lost and found pet Facebook groups
- Neighborhood apps like Ring Neighbors and Nextdoor
- Friends, family, and coworkers, so they can share too
Use the same photo and details everywhere, so people recognize your dog.
4. Check shelters in person
If someone picks up your dog, a city shelter is often where they end up, and stray holds are short. In Harlingen it's a 72-hour minimum before a dog can be adopted out. Go in person every day or two, since photos online don't always match.
- Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center: 416 FM 511, Brownsville, TX 78575. (956) 544-7351
- Harlingen Animal Shelter: 1106 Markowsky Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550. (956) 216-5250. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 6 PM.
Bring photos or vet records to prove the dog is yours. Hours change, so call ahead.
5. Call vets and rescues
People who find a hurt dog often take them to the closest vet. Call vets near where your dog went missing, plus local rescues. Find numbers on our local help page.
6. Make sure the microchip works
If your dog is chipped, look up the chip number at the AAHA microchip lookup to see which company it's registered with. Then call that company and make sure your phone number is current. A chip only helps if it reaches you.
7. Put up flyers
Big photo, "LOST DOG" in large letters, your city, and your phone number. Put them at gas stations, laundromats, vet offices, and stop signs near where they went missing.
When your dog comes home
Mark your Howlback post as reunited using the link you got when you posted. It will show REUNITED for a day so everyone who helped can see the happy news.
Keep it from happening again
- A collar with an ID tag and your phone number, every day
- A microchip with current info
- Check fences and gates, especially after storms
- Keep dogs inside during fireworks and thunderstorms
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