The San Francisco Animal Shelter at 15th and Harrison Streets is your first stop if your dog is missing in the city. You have to show up in person—staff can’t identify your dog over the phone, only you can do that. When you arrive, walk through all the cages methodically. Ask to see any injured or sick animals being held separately, since a stressed or hurt dog might not be in the main areas. Plan to visit every single day if you can manage it, because the shelter holds strays for only 4-5 days before they become available for adoption.

Before you leave, file a written report with staff. This creates a record and helps if someone finds your dog and brings them in after you’ve gone home. Don’t assume your dog will turn up quickly—sometimes it takes several weeks, so keep returning.

While you’re doing that legwork, call the Lost Pet Hotline at 567-8738. It’s a recorded message with a partial listing of impounded animals, which might save you a trip on any given day. The hotline updates regularly, so it’s worth checking a few times.

Your dog might also be at one of the private shelters scattered across San Francisco and the surrounding communities. The city’s Animal Care and Control office can give you a complete list of these facilities. Many people focus only on the main shelter and miss their dog at a smaller rescue nearby. It’s tedious work, but calling or visiting each one systematically increases your chances. Keep those written reports current at every shelter you visit, and update them as days pass. Staff remember repeated visitors and take your search seriously when they see your commitment.