A microchip does not contain GPS trackers, meaning you cannot track your dog's location using microchip scanners.

A microchip simply holds a unique ID number that links to your contact details in a database. This means if your dog is found, you can be contacted easily.

You can use GPS devices to track your dog, but these must be already clipped onto their collar before they go missing.

We'll explore other ways to track your lost dog, like through reported sightings, before diving into the best ways to find them yourself.

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Microchip company: As you may have guessed, this is an important one. By calling your microchip company, you can double-check check the contact details on the chip are accurate and up to date. This will give you the best possible chances of being contacted if they're handed in somewhere.

Local shelters: Make sure the local animal shelter in your area and further afield are aware of your lost dog. Provide them with descriptions and, if possible, email them some photos. This will help them recognize your pup if they receive any reports of a stray or lost dog. They will also have microchip scanners so they'll be able to identify your pet's chip.

Dog warden: Most areas will have a local dog warden. It is their job to attend to any reports of stray dogs or unaccounted dogs. If they are aware your pup is missing, they'll be able to keep an eye out for them and contact you with any information they receive from the public.

Vet clinic: Your vet should be aware if your pup has gone missing. They'll be able to use the information they have, like your dog's medical records, to offer expert advice.

Your neighbors' houses and gardens: If your dog has become bored, they may want to socialize. Often, this means hopping the fence and exploring your neighbor's house and garden, looking for new friends.

Outbuildings: Our furry friends are neophilic, meaning they are attracted to new smells (source. If they've picked up on an interesting scent, they will follow it. Outbuildings like sheds, garages, and bin stores are easy to become trapped in if they've gone exploring.

Local park or walk: Your dog has most likely memorized the route to their favorite park or walk. If they've chosen to have a solo adventure, then it's quite likely they'll head to those familiar and fun places.

Abandoned buildings, fields, and farms: Even though your dog has chosen to run away, they may find themselves lost and become scared. When their 'survival mode' kicks in, they'll find somewhere secluded and isolated to hide. Abandoned buildings, backstreets, farms, and fields all make great spots to wait and hide.

Don't chase them: Although it can be in our instincts to chase our dogs when we see them go running, it can actually make a bad situation worse. If your pup sees you chase them, they may become fearful and distrusting of you, making them run further and less likely to return to you.

Gently call their name: Don't shout or sound overly frustrated or angry. This may scare your dog and make them think they're in trouble. Instead, stand still and calmly call their name in a gentle tone. Only use their name and one or two other words to prevent confusing them.

Retrace your steps: Your dog will be able to follow your scent trail, so rather than walking further and confusing it, you should retrace your steps while looking for them. They will be able to find their way back to the start of the trail.

Set humane traps: If you've been looking for hours and still have had no luck, it's worth setting some humane traps overnight before you return to the trail the next day. These are a safe and easy way to trap your pup while you're not there.

Leave strong-smelling food outside: If your dog is in survival mode, they'll be focused on trying to find food. Even if they aren't, they're likely thinking about a tasty snack. Leaving food outside can help your dog find their way home by following the scent.

Open up doors and windows: The most recognizable sounds to your pup will be those of their home. By opening your doors and windows, you'll allow the everyday noises to travel further and hopefully reach your lost pet.

Leave toys, blankets, and clothes outside: The strongest smell to your dog, aside from food, is their territory. The items that will carry this scent most strongly will be toys, clothes, and blankets. Keep them outside so your dog can pick up on them.