When you come across a stray dog, it's essential to follow certain basic steps, even if you feel an immediate connection and the desire to keep them with you. In this article, we will provide a guide on what to do when you encounter a dog without an owner.
What should you do if you have found a dog on it own?
Approach with caution and care
When encountering a stray dog, it's crucial to approach them carefully. Keep in mind that a lost dog may feel scared and overwhelmed. Make sure your body language is non-threatening and use a soothing tone of voice to help them feel more at ease. Be cautious of any signs of aggression and seek assistance if needed, especially if the dog's behavior is aggressive.
Check for identification
Inspect the dog to see if they are wearing a collar with identification tags. Look for contact information that may lead you to the owner. In some cases, the collar may be nearby, so take a quick search around the area. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs of the owner searching for their missing dog.
If you find contact details on the collar, contact the owner immediately and inform them that their dog is safe.
Assess for injuries
Take a moment to examine the dog for any visible injuries. If you notice any wounds or signs of distress, it may be necessary to take them to a veterinarian for immediate medical attention.
Notify local authorities
Contact the local council or animal control as soon as possible and arrange for them to collect the dog. While it may be tempting to keep the dog yourself, it is important to follow the law. The dog may not necessarily be a stray and could have an owner desperately looking for them. Failing to report a found dog to the local authorities could lead to accusations of theft.
Local authorities will handle the dog
Once you have notified the local authorities, they will take the necessary steps to ensure the dog's well-being. They will likely transfer the dog to a local holding kennel where they can scan for a microchip. If the dog is microchipped, the authorities can use the information to locate and contact the owner.
Why you should follow the above steps
The primary objective when finding a stray dog is to determine if they have a caring home desperately seeking their return. By following the steps outlined above, the likelihood of reuniting the dog with their owner increases.
The responsibility of handling stray dogs falls upon dog wardens, who are legally mandated to handle such cases. Individuals who have lost their pets are strongly encouraged to contact these authorities as their initial course of action in their search. Dog wardens can verify if they have received or picked up a dog matching the description provided. Surrendering a lost dog to the local dog warden is essential, as they are better equipped to match missing dogs with those that have been found.
Furthermore, if the owner reclaims their dog through the dog warden, they can receive further support and guidance if necessary. The dog warden can offer advice on the responsibilities associated with dog ownership and provide recommendations to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
‘Can I keep a stray dog?’
n certain situations, if you wish to provide a loving home for a stray dog, there are specific steps to follow to ensure the dog's well-being and your suitability as an adopter. Similar to the process of finding a stray dog, the procedure for adopting one has clear guidelines in place to prioritize the dog's safety.
Even if you have the intention to adopt the dog you've found, it is crucial to contact the dog warden first. The dog warden will take custody of the dog and make every effort to locate the owners. The mandatory waiting period for this process is seven days (five days in Northern Ireland).
If no owner is found within the specified waiting period, the dog warden will provide your contact information to the local dog kennels. The kennels will assess your suitability as a dog adopter. If you meet their requirements, they will reach out to you and guide you through their standard procedure for transferring ownership (assuming the dog doesn't have an owner).
Remember to provide your contact details to the dog warden so that you can stay in touch with them and the kennels throughout the adoption process.
Before deciding to adopt a stray dog, ensure that you are fully prepared for the commitment involved. Dogs require significant care and financial resources to ensure their well-being. However, the love and loyalty they provide in return make it a worthwhile investment.