Estimated Read Time: 5 ½ minutes
Summary: In this blog we learn all about lost and found dogs. We’ll find out what to do if you find a lost dog, and what to do if you lose yours. Learn about how to find a lost dog and effective ways of looking for them, how to care for a lost dog and who to alert…
Found Lost Dog? Here’s How To Approach Them…
“I found a lost dog!”
So, you’ve found a dog that looks like they’re somewhere they’re not meant to be. Instinctively, we want to make sure that any dog is safe but we also need to remember to protect ourselves as not all dogs are friendly…
If you think a dog is lost and needing your help, try to approach them calmly and pay attention to their body language. Turn your body to the side as you approach; head-on can be intimidating for a frightened, unsure pooch. Squat low, and offer your hand for them to sniff. Keep your body sideways and don’t make direct eye contact until the dog is obviously by your side and comfortable. Then either reach for their collar or attach a leash if you have one.
If they won’t approach and you have any food or treats handy, you can attempt to tempt them over with these too.
If you have any concerns that the dog isn’t happy to be approached (baring their teeth, hair standing on end, a stiff body) it’s time to make contact with either the local police station or animal rescue (like the RSPCA) who can collect the dog safely and professionally.
PetLab Co. Pro Tip: If the dog won’t let you approach, try to take a picture or video of them so you can share this with the relevant authorities and/or social media.
What To Do If You Find A Lost Dog
So, you’ve now got a lost dog in your care, either on a lead, by the collar or in your car. You need to think about how long you can realistically look after the dog until you can get to a rescue or contact their owner.
This question may be answered for you if the dog has ID tags on their collar. Call the number on them and leave a message. If there’s no tag on them, a shelter or vet will be able to painlessly scan their microchip or check them for identity tattoos. They will either offer to contact the owner for you or offer up contact details to you.
However, you may not be able to get to a rescue or vet straight away and may decide to take your found lost dog home with you. If you do this and have other household members or have other pets, make sure they don’t mingle as your found lost dog may have parasites, fleas or another contagious health issue. They also may be scared and confused which can make a dog aggressive. Until a vet or a shelter can look them over, it’s best to play safe so confine them to one room away from your other animals, children and family members and offer them some food, comfortable bedding and clean water.
If you’re struggling to contact an owner via microchip, tattoo or ID tags then it’s time to involve your community. Post their picture and where you found them on social media, print flyers to share around your neighbourhood and contact local vets and animal rescues so if the owner contacts them they can put them in touch with you.
If no one contacts you to claim the dog, it’s up to you whether to find them a new home, give them to a rescue or adopt them. If an owner does claim them, make sure to re-notify those you’ve contacted about the dog so they can take them off their lists.
How To Find A Lost Dog
Instigate Lost Dog Search
First things first, panicking isn’t going to help when you lose a dog. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm: this will help keep your mind clear and thinking logical.
As soon as you notice your dog is lost, begin a lost dog search within a 2-mile radius and ask your friends and neighbours to help you look. Instruct them with the commands that your pup usually responds to and bring their favourite treats, food and toys to help entice them back.
Report Lost Dog
If you’ve had no luck after a few hours, it’s time to notify your local shelters and local police station and provide them with an accurate, thorough description and photograph if you have one. It is also worth notifying the fire station, local veterinarian surgeries, dog groomers, pet shops and parks. You can also call back these businesses and facilities regularly for any updates.
Next, you can post across all of your social media platforms and in local online groups and ask your friends to share your posts. You can also put up posters and post flyers with a picture of your pup through your neighbourhood’s doors. Be persistent and remain optimistic!
Lost Dog Prevention
It’s actually compulsory under UK law to microchip your dog. This must be done before the dog is 8 weeks old, and you can be fined up to £500 if your dog is found to not be microchipped. A collar can easily slip off your pooch’s neck or break off, so having a microchip will help reduce the chances of losing your fur baby as any vet will be able to see that your dog belongs to you. In this case, they will be able to identify your pup and contact you straight away. Moreover, it eliminates the risk that your pup is stolen, renamed and re-homed – as the next vet will not be able to proceed with registering your pup without your permission, as their legal owner. It is simple, quick, painless, and a legal requirement in this country, so make sure you ask your vet to get Rover microchipped as soon as possible for parental peace of mind and to adhere to the law.
You must also keep your contact information up to date on your dogs ID tags and microchip. Moving house or changing your mobile number? Update their collar and microchip details immediately.
If your dog is off the lead a lot, no matter how well they’re trained, you could also consider a GPS collar that’s equipped with a tracker.
Training is key when it comes to lost dog prevention. Their recall should be as good as it can be and you should practise this often. If you’re concerned at their obedience, consider engaging with a local, ethical, kind dog trainer who can help you improve their recall.
Sources
“Lost Dog? What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing” Jul 6. 2021, American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/lost-dog-what-to-do-pet-goes-missing/
Author Gibeault, Stephanie MSc, CPDT “What To Do If You Find A Lost Dog” Apr 14. 2021, American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-lost-dog/
“Get Your Dog Microchipped” UK Government https://www.gov.uk/get-your-dog-microchipped
