Lost dog training built for dog professionals — walkers, trainers, groomers, sitters, daycare & dog rescues
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Dog Groomers Lost Dog Protocol badgeFor dog professionals — walkers, trainers, groomers, sitters, daycare & dog rescues

Dog Groomers Lost Dog Protocol

Prevent escapes in the salon, at handover and from the grooming van, and know exactly what to do in the first minutes if a dog in your care goes missing. Created by Dave Rimmer, founder of Eye In The Sky.

9 modules · 37 lessons 20 CPD points 4h 26m Certificate on completion

What you'll learn

  • Spot and reduce risk in your salon, van or at handover, with premises checks and a written risk assessment
  • Act decisively in the critical first 60 seconds, including What3Words and managing other dogs in the salon
  • Use voice, scent and familiarity to draw a loose dog back, and avoid the mistakes that make things worse
  • Map and search an area systematically across urban, rural, woodland and coastal terrain
  • Support the owner, brief vets and the public, and know when to hand over to specialist search teams
  • Create effective lost dog posters and use social media without spreading panic
  • Build your own groomer emergency action plan, danger assessments and lost dog kit, stored in your account
  • Debrief after an incident and keep your professional practice, insurance and clients protected

About this course

Course content

9 modules · 37 lessons · self-paced

1

Module 1

Who We Are

Meet Eye In The Sky, understand our search mission and the real-world experience behind this protocol.

  • About the Creator – Dave Rimmer, Founder of Eye In The Sky
2

Module 2

Understanding the Risk

Learn the common triggers, high-risk moments and early warning signs that lead to a dog going missing from a grooming business.

  • Why Dogs Go Missing: Common Causes in the Salon and at Handover
  • The Groomer's Duty of Care
  • Risk Assessment: Spotting Triggers Before Trouble Starts
  • High Flight-Risk Dogs: Nervous, Reactive and Newly Rescued Dogs
3

Module 3

Immediate Response When a Dog Goes Missing

The critical first 60 seconds: how to stay safe, stop the escape and take immediate control of the situation.

  • First 60 Seconds: What You Must Do Immediately
  • Escape Mid-Groom: No Collar, Wet, Half-Clipped and Frightened
  • Using What3Words When a Dog Goes Missing
  • Stay or Search? Making the Right Call When You Have a Salon to Run
  • Managing the Other Dogs in Your Care: Tables, Dryers and Crates
  • Voice, Scent and Familiarity: Why the Owner Matters Most
  • What Not to Do: Mistakes That Make Things Worse
  • When to Call for Help: Owners, Emergency Services, and Search Teams
4

Module 4

Coordinating a Search

Plan a systematic search, use mapping and clear roles to cover ground effectively.

  • Mapping the Area: Creating a Search Grid
  • Informing the Right People: Owners, Vets, and the Public
  • Dealing with Terrain: Roads, Town Centres and Residential Areas
5

Module 5

Working With Owners and Professionals

How to support the owner, liaise with professionals and know when to call in specialist help.

  • Telling the Owner: What to Say, and When
  • Managing the Owner's Emotions
  • Handing Over to the Experts: What to Expect
  • Who and How to Call in Specialist Support
6

Module 6

Communication and Public Awareness

Posters, social media, local outreach and keeping the public informed without spreading confusion.

  • Creating an Effective Lost Dog Poster
  • Using Social Media to Maximise Reach
  • Speaking to the Public Without Spreading Panic
7

Module 7

Prevention and Preparedness

Salon checks, handover routines, records and habits that prevent incidents before they happen.

  • Salon Safety Checks: Doors, Gates and Barriers
  • Drop-Off and Collection: Safe Handover Routines
  • Mobile Groomers: Van Door Routines and Working on Driveways
  • Photograph Every Dog on Arrival
  • Client Intake Forms: Emergency Contacts, Microchip and Flight-Risk Questions
  • Salon and Van Risk Assessment
  • Every Groomer's Lost Dog Kit
  • Your Groomer Emergency Action Plan
8

Module 8

Reflection and Professional Practice

Review the incident, update clients, document lessons and protect your professional practice.

  • Debriefing After an Incident: Reflection, Responsibility, and Recovery
  • Incident Records and Protecting Your Reputation
  • Ongoing Training for Groomers: Staying Skilled, Safe and Trusted
9

Module 9

End of Course Test

Pass the final assessment to join the register as a Lost Dog Protocol qualified dog groomer.

  • Your End of Course Test
  • What Next
  • Download Your Digital Badge