Finding A Lost Dog: What Should You Do?

Your dog getting lost is probably one of your worst nightmares. You love your pet and the thought of them being away from home, afraid and unsure of what to do, is heartbreaking for you. This is exactly why knowing what to do if you find a lost dog is important, so that you can keep them safe and reunite them with their own pet parents.

But do you know how to handle a dog who's lost? Should you call the police or animal control to ask for their help, or take the dog you found to your home? Use this guide to understand how to proceed if you find a lost dog.

Step 1: Be Careful in Your Approach

If you see a dog that appears to be lost, your first instinct might be to go toward it to help, but it's better to be cautious and look for clues as to whether the dog is showing signs of being distressed or aggressive. While your intentions come from a place of kindness, the dog may be fearful or experiencing a heightened sense of stress. If you're not sure what to do when you find a dog who seems agitated, it's often best to hang back.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says, "Some signs to watch for include stiff body language, bared teeth and hair standing on end [...] Remember, a wagging tail only means an emotionally aroused dog, and it's no guarantee of a friendly attitude."

If you can approach the dog, do so calmly. However, you don't have to approach them to help, and you shouldn't if the dog doesn't seem to welcome your behavior. If you're able to, take a picture or video of the animal that may help with identifying the pet later.

Aggressive behaviors shouldn't be the only thing concerning you, either. The dog may have rabies or another illness that could make you very sick if you were bitten as you approached.

Step 2: Make Sure the Dog Is Safe

Assuming that you're able to approach the dog, and they feel safe in your presence, one of the best things you can do is to make sure the dog is safe and secure. This may mean taking them into your yard or securing them with a leash in the area where you found them. This ensures the pet won't run off again, giving you the chance to get in touch with their owner or animal control.

Just make sure not to let the dog you've found mingle with your own pets. You don't want either pet to feel threatened by the other's presence and act out of aggression. Even if you're convinced they'd get along, consider that the lost dog may not be up-to-date with their vaccinations. They could have parasites like fleas or ticks that you don't want passed on to your pet.

Consider additional care opportunities like providing them with a bowl of water. However, do not feed the dog. Because you are unfamiliar with this dog, they might have special diet considerations and you don't want to further exacerbate their already stressful situation by causing an upset stomach. If you are keeping them outside, make sure to keep them in a cool shaded area during warmer weather or in a place to keep warm in winter months.

Step 3: Check for Identification

Now that you have the lost dog contained, the first thing you should do is check to see if the dog has any identification that will point you in the direction of their owner. They may have a tag on their collar with information like their name and their owner's information, such as telephone number or even address. Even if an identification tag isn't present, the dog might be wearing a city-issued tag which could help the animal control department or shelter to identify whose pet it is.

You won't be able to tell if the dog has been microchipped, but if they have, the animal control officer, veterinarian or pet shelter technicians will scan it to see if they can match dog you've found with their pet parent.