What is what to do when you find a dog?

Here's what to do if you find a dog:

1. Safety First: Approach the dog cautiously. Speak calmly and avoid sudden movements. Observe the dog's body language. If it seems aggressive, maintain a safe distance and call animal control.

2. Check for Identification: Look for a collar with tags. The tag may have the owner's name, address, or phone number. If there are no tags, check for a microchip.

3. Check for a Microchip: Take the dog to a vet or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip. This is the most reliable way to find the owner. The vet or shelter can scan the chip and contact the owner if the dog is registered. This step is detailed in how to check a dog for a microchip.

4. Report the Found Dog: Contact your local animal shelters, animal control, and veterinary clinics to report that you found a dog. Provide a description of the dog, where you found it, and your contact information. This is described in reporting a found dog.

5. Use Social Media and Online Resources: Post a picture of the dog on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Nextdoor, and lost pet websites like Petfinder or Craigslist. Include details like where and when you found the dog, its breed (if known), size, color, and any distinctive markings. This is part of using social media to find the owner.

6. Provide Temporary Care: If you can safely do so, provide the dog with food, water, and shelter. Keep the dog separate from your own pets, if you have any, until you can determine its health status.

7. Consider Temporary Foster Care: If you cannot keep the dog at your home, consider contacting a local animal rescue organization to see if they can provide temporary foster care while searching for the owner.

8. Legal Considerations: Be aware of local laws regarding found animals. Some areas may require you to turn the dog over to animal control or a shelter after a certain period.

9. If the Owner Cannot Be Found: If you are unable to locate the owner after a reasonable amount of time, you may consider adopting the dog yourself, finding a suitable adopter, or surrendering the dog to a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization. Before thinking of adoption, follow steps for if the owner cannot be found.