You may have seen a dog on the street with no owner nearby. So what if you find a stray, abandoned, or lost dog on the street? What are the reflexes to have? Continue reading while I explain everything.
In some countries, it is not uncommon to see wandering dogs on the street. But you can also cross the path of an abandoned dog in your own country. In France, around 100,000 dogs and cats are abandoned each year, particularly during the summer period.
In the US, there are about 70 million stray animals living. Of this 70 million, only about six to eight million cats and dogs enter the nation’s 3,500 shelters every year, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
How do you know if a dog is really abandoned? Is it a dog that has run away or a stray dog?
Meeting a dog without a collar or a dog that looks abandoned doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an owner. So you have to be very careful when the situation arises. Here are some signs that can help you distinguish between a stray or lost dog:
The dog just looks lost if:
- The dog looks fit and well-fed with a shiny coat
- He wears a collar
- The dog is microchipped (determined by a veterinarian)
The dog looks stray if:
- The dog is very skinny and seems hungry
- His coat is dirty, dull, and poorly groomed
- Appears fearful, aggressive, or disoriented
If no owner shows up, here are the things you could do
Be careful. You don’t know how the dog will react when you approach. You don’t know what he went through and how he reacts to strangers. Before you approach him, observe him. Never approach the dog from the front, but always from the side. Stay calm and relaxed.
If you are nervous, keep your distance. The dog may sense your anxiety and will not be reassured when you approach.
Get the dog to safety
- If you can easily approach the dog, get him to safety.
- The easiest way is to have a leash handy. If not, you can try to lure him to where he will be safe.
- You can also ask passers-by for help to help secure the dog.
Try to find the owner
- Once the dog is safe, inspect the surroundings to find the owner of the dog. Ask passers-by if they recognize the dog or if they have encountered anyone looking for their dog.
- You can also ring the bell for homes near your location to find out more.
Call the nearest refuge or the town hall
- If you cannot find the owner, you can contact the nearest town hall or shelter to let them know that you have found a dog.
- Then take the dog to a veterinarian to check if he has a microchip that can help find his owner.
Another option: go directly to the vet
If you can’t do all of the above steps, you can take the dog directly to a vet. He will check his state of health and whether he is chipped or not.
Otherwise, contact the police
If you have no way of getting the dog to a vet or shelter, you can contact the police who will tell you what to do.
What if the lost dog is injured?
- In the event that the dog is injured, take him to a veterinarian.
- If you are afraid to handle the dog or if he is aggressive, you can also call your vet, who will advise you.
Can I bring a lost dog back to my home?
Rather, it is not recommended to bring the dog to your home for several reasons. First of all, you don’t know how he will react to you. On the other hand, if it carries contagious diseases like fleas, it could infect your animals.
Do I always have to report a lost dog?
The answer is yes. It is important to report a lost dog, especially if you think it has been abandoned for a long time.
How can I help find the owner of the dog?
If you have taken the dog to a veterinarian or shelter, they will try to locate the owner of the lost dog. If the dog is not identified, you can help find its owner.
For example, you can print search cards with a photo and description of the dog and distribute these cards around the area where you found the dog. Don’t forget to add a phone number to contact if the owner recognizes their dog.
You can also post an ad on dedicated sites or on social networks. There are many groups dedicated to lost animals.
What food to give to a lost dog?
If the dog is emaciated, feed it small amounts of food so that its stomach does not reject the food.
Who takes care of a stray dog?
While waiting to find the owner of the dog, the shelter staff will take care of it. But you can also choose to take care of it if you don’t want the dog to be patient at the shelter.
However, be sure to have enough time for the dog during the day.
Warning: some dogs have a difficult past and may react differently if they are in a foreign environment.
If the dog becomes aggressive in your presence, it is better to take him to a shelter that will know how to deal with it.
When can I adopt a stray dog?
If you’ve fallen in love with the dog you’ve found, you can of course adopt it. But don’t forget to research its possible owner first.
If, after 6 months, the research is not successful, you can then start the steps to adopt the dog.
What rules apply abroad?
In some countries, many dogs live on the streets. However, it is not allowed to bring a dog back to your country without prior precautions. Your journey will stop at the airport or at the border.
The rules for importing a dog from a foreign country are very strict. In most cases, the dog must have a passport and his vaccines are up to date. The dog must also be identified via an electronic chip.
You can also contact a local association that will help you in your adoption procedures in order to welcome the dog to your country.
