diff --git a/sbin/pdns.sh b/sbin/pdns.sh
index e92b9aa..06e07c0 100755
--- a/sbin/pdns.sh
+++ b/sbin/pdns.sh
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ fi
 # Any of the other constants below can be overriden in the local config.
 if [[ -f /usr/local/etc/pdns.conf ]]; then
   source /usr/local/etc/pdns.conf
+else
+  echo "ERROR: Local config missing. You need to install and configure /usr/local/etc/pdns.conf"
+  exit
 fi
 
 # constants