Ballarat girl missing with her pet Jack Russell found safe and well

Victoria Police has thanked the public for help locating a Ballarat teenager who had been missing for more than 24 hours after taking her dog for a walk.

Katelyn Shears was last seen leaving her Geelong Road home with her Jack Russell Beanie at about midday yesterday.

Both police and Katelyn's parents held concerns about the 16-year-old's welfare due to her age.

Police confirmed this afternoon that Katelyn and Beanie were found safe and well earlier today.