Most of us can say that we have seen or even caught a stray dog that we’ve found running around on the street or lounging in the yard. However, what can you do with a stray dog after you catch them? How can you help them get the care they need? If you find yourself in possession of a stray, you will want to know how to take care of it as best as you can. You’ll also want to know how to help it quickly find its way back home, if possible. Let’s look at some helpful tips to guide you if you have found a stray in your neighborhood.
Should you try to catch a stray?
Unfortunately, not every stray dog will be friendly. You’ll want to assess the situation as it happens before struggling with an unruly and panicked stray. If the dog comes to you happily, then you should have no problem putting a leash on it or guiding it into your car or home. However, many stray dogs become scared, skittish, and even hostile towards humans. Your safety is just as important, so pay attention to the body language of the stray. If you feel that the dog is too wild or vicious, it will be a good idea to call your local animal control to take care of it. If the stray seems wary of your advancements, try to move as slowly as you can to draw it to you.
Look for identification
Once you have the stray in your possession, check them for identification. If the dog has a tag on its collar, you should be able to call the owner and reunite them quickly. Of course, it isn’t always that easy! If the dog doesn’t have a tag, it may have a microchip. If this is the case, take the dog to a vet’s office to be scanned. In most areas, a vet’s office will happily scan a stray dog for free. If the dog has a microchip, then you can reach out to the owner and create a happy reunion story.
To keep or not to keep?
If the dog has no tags or microchip, you’ll have the option of keeping the stray and looking for its owner or giving it up to your local shelter. Your decision will be a personal one that only you can make. First, check your local laws to find out whether or not you are even permitted to keep a stray dog. In some areas, you are required to turn in a stray to your local animal shelter. If you decide to keep the dog while looking for its owner, consider your home life first. Do you have enough room for the animal? Can you provide the necessities for the dog while you look for its owner? Do you have other pets that may or may not get along with the stray? If you think it will cause problems to keep the dog, don’t feel bad about taking it to the local animal shelter. They will do what they can to find the original owner.
Gather the essentials for care
If you cannot find the owner right away and decide to keep the stray, make sure you gather the right essentials to take care of your new friend. Dog food and fresh water will be your first concern. You’ll need dog bowls for both, and you may want to grab some dog treats for your stray to enjoy. If you are planning to walk the dog, invest in a quality leash and collar if it needs one. You’ll also want to purchase a dog crate that is safe and secure, and can accommodate their size. The dog may need to be crated when you are out of the house. You can also use the crate to take the dog to your vet when you need to have them checked out.
Post ads to find the owner
With the invention of social media, it is easier than ever to post a lost dog ad. Look for local neighborhood groups where you can post pictures of the dog, where you found it, and your contact information. Ask viewers to share your post for more views. You can also take out an ad in a local newspaper and post flyers around town. Make sure your local animal shelters and veterinarian offices have your information to give to anyone who happens to call them. Most vet offices will allow you to put up a “found” picture with your contact information on their bulletin board.
Give the dog plenty of care
While you are looking for the owner, make sure to provide your new addition with lots of love and care. If you have other animals in the house, you may have to keep the dog separated for a bit until they start to accept one another. A crate, as mentioned above, is a good way to keep your other animals away from the stray until they get used to it. When you go out for walks, be very careful that the dog doesn’t get off of its leash and get lost again. You may also want to skip the dog parks if you don’t know the temperament of the animal yet.
Adopting the stray permanently
When you have done everything you can to find the owner of your stray, you may start wishing to permanently adopt it. Just remember, every state has laws concerning stray dogs and adoption. You’ll likely have to wait a certain amount of days before legally adopting the dog. Check the Humane Society website to find out the laws in your state. You won’t be able to become the legal owner until that hold period expires.
If the hold period ends and you are serious about adopting the dog, make sure you take it to your vet for a full physical examination and to update any vaccinations he or she may need. And of course, you’ll want to make sure your new addition has identification on them in case they try to run away from you. Either purchase a quality dog tag and collar or ask your vet about microchipping. From there, enjoy your new family member and have fun!
