Found a lost dog: what to do

Losing your dog is probably one of the worst nightmares for any owner. The mere thought of a pet being away from home, scared and confused, breaks a person’s heart. That is why it is so important to know what to do if a stray dog ​​is found and how to help her reunite with her family.

Do I need to call the police or animal control to ask for help? Can I bring my own pet? This guide will help you figure out what to do when you find your lost dog.

Step 1: Exercise caution when approaching a dog

Before approaching an animal that appears to be lost, one should be cautious and look for clues as to whether the dog is showing signs of anxiety or aggression. Despite the best intentions on the part of the person, the pet may be frightened or in a state of increased stress. If he seems agitated, it’s best to take your time.

Americanclubdog breeding (AKC) explains, “Some signs to look out for include tension in the body, bared teeth and hair on end […] Remember, tail wagging means the dog is emotionally aroused and is not a guarantee of a friendly attitude.”

Approach the animal calmly. However, you can help the dog without approaching it, especially if it does not seem very friendly. You can also take a photo or video of the dog, which can later help identify it.

Aggressive behavior is not the only thing to worry about. A dog can be infected with rabies or another disease that a person can contract if bitten.

Step 2: Keep your dog safe

If the dog is calm and can be approached, the first thing to do is to ensure its protection and safety. You can take her to your yard or tie her on a leash in the place where she was found. This will prevent escape and provide an opportunity to contact the dog’s owner or animal control.

It is necessary to ensure that the found dog does not interact with pets. They may feel threatened by each other and behave aggressively. Also, a lost dog may not be vaccinated, it may have parasites, such as fleas or pliers.

You can give your dog a bowl of water. However, she should not be fed: she may have special dietary needs, so inappropriate food will only worsen the stressful situation, causing the unfortunate stomach upset. If the found dog is kept outside, you need to make sure that in the heat it is in the shade, and in winter it has a place where you can warm up.

Step 3: Verify your credentials

After making sure that the dog cannot escape, the first thing to do is to check for any identification. They will tell you where to look for its owner. She may have collar tag with the name and information about the owner, such as a phone number or even an address. Even if there is no address tag, the dog may have a city tag on it to help the animal control department or the shelter identify whose dog it is.

Determine if the dog has microchip, is not possible on its own, but if it is, the animal control officer, veterinarian or shelter technicians will scan it and identify the owner of the dog.

Step 4. Spread the word about the dog

Friends, relatives and the local community will help to post on social media that a pet has been found that misses its family very much. Similarly, social media can help if the dog was never approached or was simply too scared and ran away.

You can upload a video or photo of an animal, publish them in any local groups. You should ask your friends to share the post about the foundling on their page. You should also include any identifying information that may not have been in the photo, and state where and when the dog was found. The place where the dog was found is no less important than its description.

Step 5. Call the right person

If an address tag with identification data was found, it is necessary to help the dog reunite with the owners as soon as possible. If there is a phone number on the tag, you need to call it and report that the dog has been found and is safe. If the tag contains only an address, you need to take your four-legged friend to his home. Be sure to keep him on a leash and close to you.

In a situation like this, you can’t just tie the dog to the porch and walk away. Its owners may have moved out, or the dog may have gotten off the leash and run away before they get home. If no one is at home, try to come another day.

If there is no identifying information on the dog, you can contact the animal control service, the police, the local shelter, or even veterinary clinic. Each institution will approach this problem in its own way. Shelter workers or a veterinarian may advise bringing the pet in to check if it has any microchip, from which they can get information about the owner of the dog in order to contact him.

If you don’t know what to do when you find a lost dog that looks aggressive or sick, it’s best to call animal control or volunteers.

If the animal control service is closed, you can take the animal to shelterwhere he will be adequately protected. If the found dog has traces of injury, it is necessary to take it to the veterinarian.

If there is a desire, an opportunity and a place to keep a new pet, then it is better to take it to yourself while its owner is being sought. But even in this case, it is still recommended to contact local shelters to leave a description of the dog. As the AKC says, “Even if you choose to keep your lost dog rather than give it to a shelter, letting the shelters know that you have found it increases the owner’s chances of finding you and therefore their lost pet.”

So, when you find a lost dog, do not worry. You need to approach it with caution, check the presence of identification data and, if necessary, seek help.

See also:

• Stress in a dog: symptoms and treatment
• Useful dog walking tips
• Common Dog Behaviors
• How to Avoid Bringing Your Dog Back to the Animal Shelter