Lost Dogs Live With Clare Balding | Preview (Channel 5)

In this live television first, presenter Clare Balding rallies the support of the great British public to help reunite lost dogs with their owners in what promises to be a celebration of the nation’s love for our canine companions.

A staggering 95% of owners have lost their dogs. Most are recovered within hours, but for the owners of dogs that disappear for longer, uncertainty and sorrow can follow.

The series also focuses on the best ways to keep our beloved pooches safe, and features heartwarming stories of lost dogs who returned home to their loving families. Clare Balding enlists the help of the nation to help track down a selection of missing dogs which have been separated from their heartbroken families for weeks, months, and, in some cases, years.

Anyone watching the programme who has any information as to the whereabouts of these lost dogs, is urged to contact the programme anonymously, and any useful leads will be passed on to a nationwide network of volunteers who specialise in reuniting missing dogs with their owners. Clare also showcases several stray dogs who have been handed into rescue centres across the UK, and whose owners cannot be located.

Also in the first edition, roving reporter Storm Huntley visits the Isle of Wight to meet a family who spent six years looking for their beloved stolen spaniel Fern. Dr Amir Kahn, of GPs: Behind Closed Doors fame, offers insight into the importance of bonding with a new puppy to prevent it from running away and getting lost.

JB Gill heads to Cornwall to train with sniffer dogs who are experts in tracking other dogs that are lost. And Michelle Ackerley spends a day with a team of pet detectives, learning about the techniques they employ to return much-loved missing and stolen dogs to their owners.

Clare Balding said: “Our dogs are not just pets, they’re part of the family and if one goes missing, it’s a traumatic experience. With Channel 5 leading the charge, I’m looking forward to helping reunite owners with their dogs and to share tips on how to keep our animals safe.”

Lost Dogs Live begins Tuesday 18th July on Channel 5.