Don’t assume that a stray dog is simply “out exploring.” A lost dog is about as capable on his own as a toddler. Start by posting a minimum of 10 signs in the immediate area where you found the dog. It is best to use brightly-colored paper. If you do not have any, white paper will do. Then follow these steps:
1. Knock on doors in the neighborhood where you found the dog to see if someone has lost him or knows who he belongs to.
2. Call your local police department to see if someone has reported losing a dog who matches the description of the dog you have found.
3. If the dog is not wearing visible identification, he may have a microchip embedded under his skin that will help in tracking down his guardian. To check, take the dog to a local veterinary clinic where he can be scanned. But before you do, make sure to use a leash (or fashion a leash out of a belt or rope) in order to keep the dog safe while he is in your care.
4. If you are unable to quickly locate the dog’s guardian through an I.D. tag or microchip, it is best to take him to the animal shelter that services the area where he was found. You may also be able to call the shelter to arrange for the dog to be picked up. The shelter is a central location where the dog’s guardian is very likely to look. If you do not know which shelter is responsible for picking up strays in your area, call your local police department or “411” and ask. If you are unable to physically go to the shelter, calling is the next best thing. Leave a description of the dog with the shelter staff.
5. If you are unable to take the dog to the shelter or are afraid that the dog may be euthanized if you do, it then becomes entirely up to you to do everything possible to locate the dog’s guardian. Remember, if you choose to hold onto the dog for a period of time and then have to take him to the shelter at a later date, the guardian may have given up searching by the time you take the dog to the shelter.
6. Post your Found Pet signs at locations where the dog’s guardian might think to look, ie: veterinary offices, pet-supply stores, groomers, dog parks, supermarkets, the post office and other local businesses. And tell your mail person that you have found a dog and his description.
7. Contact local rescue groups and let them know about the dog who you have found. For a listing of local rescues, google the words animal, rescue, and the name of the city where you found the dog.
8. Place a Found Pet ad in your local newspaper(s). Most newspapers will not charge a fee to place a Found Pet ad. And be sure to check the “Lost Pets” section of the paper.
9. Leave out a piece of information that only the true guardian would know, such as the color of the dog’s collar or a distinguishing mark. Sadly, there are scam artists who falsely claim pets who are not theirs.
