PawBoost Guide: I Found a Stray Dog – Can I Keep It?
Finding a stray dog can be both heartwarming and overwhelming. It’s natural to want to help, and sometimes you may even consider giving the stray a permanent home. However, before you take that step, there are important considerations to keep in mind. From checking for the dog’s rightful owner to understanding legal responsibilities, knowing what to do in this situation can make all the difference for both you and the dog.
This guide will walk you through the process of what to do when you find a stray dog and how to decide if you can keep it. Whether you’re focused on reuniting the dog with its owner or seriously considering adoption, here’s what you need to know.
Assessing the Situation
The first step when you find a stray dog is to carefully assess the situation. Does the dog look lost, scared, or injured? Is it friendly and approachable, or does it appear aggressive or highly anxious? These observations will help determine your next steps.
A calm and approachable dog may simply be lost, while a frightened or aggressive stray might require a different approach. Remember, not all stray dogs are abandoned. Many are pets that have wandered off and just need help finding their way home.
Safety First
When you find a stray dog, safety should always come first—for both you and the dog. If the dog seems scared or defensive, don’t approach it too quickly. Instead, try to gain its trust by speaking softly and avoiding sudden movements. If the dog appears aggressive, call animal control for assistance.
Make sure the environment is safe before attempting to interact with the dog. Remove any hazards, such as traffic or other animals, to reduce stress for the stray. Always have a leash or carrier handy if you plan to move the dog.
Check for Identification
Once the dog is calm, check for any visible signs of identification, such as a collar with tags. A dog tag might provide the owner’s contact information, making it easy to reunite them. Look for any name, phone number, or address that can help you reach the owner quickly.
If the dog doesn’t have a collar, don’t assume it’s homeless. Many pets lose their collars during outdoor adventures or escapes. There are still other ways to identify its owner, such as a microchip check.
Microchip Check
A microchip is a tiny device implanted under a pet’s skin, containing a unique ID number linked to the owner’s contact information. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have scanners that can read microchips.
Take the stray to a nearby vet or shelter to check for a microchip. This is one of the most reliable ways to reunite a lost dog with its owner. Even if the dog isn’t microchipped, the visit can provide other clues, such as health conditions or evidence of recent grooming, that may help identify its owner.
Legal Considerations
Before you decide to keep a stray dog, it’s important to understand the legal responsibilities involved. Local laws often dictate how lost or stray animals should be handled and may require you to report the found dog to authorities.
Report the Dog Found
Many cities require individuals who find a stray dog to report it to local animal control or a nearby shelter. This ensures the dog’s owner has a fair chance to find it. Reporting also protects you from potential legal issues if someone claims the dog later.
Reporting doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t keep the dog. In many cases, you can still care for the dog during a waiting period while efforts are made to find the owner.
Understanding Local Laws
Laws about keeping stray dogs vary depending on your location. Some areas have mandatory holding periods where the dog must remain available for its owner to claim. After this period, you may be allowed to adopt the dog.
Familiarize yourself with your city’s regulations regarding lost pets. Contacting local shelters or animal control can help clarify what steps you need to take to stay compliant.
Health and Safety
Ensuring the dog’s health and safety is crucial, whether you’re searching for its owner or planning to adopt it. Stray dogs may carry diseases, parasites, or injuries that need immediate attention.
Immediate Vet Checkup and Care
Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a health evaluation. The vet can check for injuries, illnesses, and vaccinations. This visit is especially important if you have other pets at home, as it ensures their safety too.
Discuss flea and tick prevention, deworming, and any necessary vaccinations to keep the dog healthy while under your care.
Quarantine From Other Pets
If you have other pets, keep the stray dog separate until a vet confirms it’s healthy. This quarantine period helps prevent the spread of illnesses or parasites.
Provide the stray with a comfortable, quiet space where it can relax and adjust to its new surroundings while awaiting its next steps.
Searching for the Owner
Before deciding to keep the dog, make every effort to find its rightful owner. Post about the found dog on local social media groups, community boards, and platforms like PawBoost. Include a clear photo and detailed description to maximize visibility.
You can also create flyers and distribute them in the area where the dog was found. Many owners actively search for their missing pets, and your efforts could lead to a happy reunion.
Things to Consider Before Keeping a Lost Dog
If you’ve tried to locate the owner without success and are considering keeping the dog, think about the long-term commitment. Dogs require time, attention, and financial resources for food, training, and medical care.
Make sure you’re ready for the responsibility and that your living situation is suitable for a new pet. Remember, adopting a stray dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to do it the right way.
Report a Found Dog with PawBoost
PawBoost is an excellent tool for reuniting lost pets with their families. If you find a stray dog, creating a PawBoost alert increases the chances of locating the owner. The platform connects you with a large network of pet lovers and local communities who want to help.
Reporting a found dog on PawBoost is quick, easy, and free. Simply provide details about the dog, including photos and the location where it was found. The more information you include, the better the chances of a successful reunion.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’ve done everything possible to help a stray dog. Whether reuniting the dog with its owner or giving it a loving home yourself, your actions can make a lasting impact.