What To Do If You Find a Lost Dog

Have you ever lost your dog? Many people, despite their best efforts, have been in a situation where there pet has been lost and it is a very sad and stressful experience for the entire family. If you see a stray dog and your heart compels you to help the dog, here are some steps you can follow to help reunite the dog with her rightful owner.

Use caution when approaching a lost dog. Keep in mind that the dog may be scared and hurt and that could lead to aggressive behavior. If you are afraid to approach the dog, call Animal Control immediately and provide them with the dog’s description and location.
Speak to the dog in friendly commands and approach her slowly. Sudden movements can scare dogs, which in turn can illicit unpredictable behavior. Try to coax her with the promise of treats. If you have anything with you that is safe for dogs to eat, you can use that to entice her as well. Many pet advocates keep a spare leash and food or treats in their trunk for occasions such as this. It’s a really good idea to create a lost dog kit.
Once you have possession of the dog, look for a collar and identification tags. If the dog has a tag, use the information on the tag to contact the owner.
If you find the dog in a neighborhood and you have a leash with you, walk through the neighborhood and tell the dog to “go home”. If you’re in the right neighborhood, there’s a good chance she can lead you to the vicinity of her home. Plus, the owner may be looking for the dog right at that time. Ask people you pass if they recognize the dog.
If the dog does not have tags take her to the nearest animal shelter (even if you intend on keeping her until the owner is found). You are required by law to do this so you can file a “found dog” report with the shelter. Many people stay away from shelters fearing that the dog will be euthanized, but many pet owners will go to the local shelters looking for their dog. Also, the shelter can scan the dog to see if she has a microchip and that may result in a successful reunion.
If you decide to return home with the dog, you should be sure to separate the dog from your other animals and children until the dog has been checked out by a veterinarian.
Post “lost dog” posters in the area that you found the dog. Also, you should return to the area as it’s possible that the owner posted their own “lost dog” poster. Make sure you poster is large enough so that it can be seen by people passing.
Use social media and classified ads to your advantage. Post about the dog and ask your friend to share the post. Look up local shelter and rescue sites and post with them as well.
If you get in touch with someone claiming to be the dog’s owner, be certain they are the owner before you surrender the dog to that person. Ask them to identify the dog and maybe point out something unusual that they could not glean from your descriptions, photos and postings.