Hey everyone,
As we enjoy these crisp autumn days, many of us are out walking, taking in the changing colours. On one of those walks, you might round a corner and see a sight that tugs at your heartstrings: a dog, alone, looking confused and lost.
It’s a situation that can feel a bit overwhelming. You want to help, but what’s the right thing to do? Who do you call? Seeing a lost dog can be stressful for you and downright scary for them. But with a calm approach, you can be the hero that helps a four-legged friend get back home safely.
Here’s a simple guide on what to do.
Step 1: Safety First, for You and Them
Before you do anything else, assess the situation.
- Approach with Caution: Speak calmly and avoid direct eye contact, which can be seen as a threat. Crouch down to appear smaller and less intimidating. Let the dog come to you.
- Read Their Body Language: Is the dog friendly and wagging its tail, or is it fearful, cowering, or growling? If the dog seems aggressive or overly scared, do not try to approach it. Your safety is the priority. In this case, call your local animal control or non-emergency police line to report a stray dog and let professionals handle it.
- Check Your Surroundings: Are you near a busy road? If you can safely lure the dog away from traffic, do so. A calm voice and slow movements are key.
Step 2: Check for Identification
If the dog is friendly and allows you to get close, the first mission is to check for ID.
- Look for a Collar and Tags: This is the easiest way home! If there’s a phone number on the tag, you can call the owner directly. Problem solved!
- Municipal Tags: Sometimes, a dog will have a municipal license tag. You can call your local animal services or humane society (like the SPCA), provide them with the tag number, and they can look up the owner’s information.
Step 3: Contain and Care (If Safe)
If there are no tags, your next step is to get the dog to a safe place while you search for its family.
- Secure the Dog: If you have a leash handy (it’s a great idea to carry a spare!), you can secure the dog. If not, you might be able to guide it into a securely fenced yard or even your car (if you’re comfortable and the dog is calm).
- Provide Water: The dog is likely thirsty. Offer a bowl of fresh water, but hold off on giving it food. A lost pet might have allergies or a sensitive stomach, and a sudden change in diet could make things worse.
Step 4: Time to Play Detective
Now it’s time to get the word out. The owners are almost certainly worried and looking for their pet.
- Scan for a Microchip: The best next step is to take the dog to a local veterinary clinic or animal shelter. They can scan the dog for a microchip for free. This tiny chip is the most reliable way to reunite a pet with its owner.
- Report the Dog as Found: Call your local humane society or municipal animal services. Owners will often call these places first when their dog goes missing. File a “found pet” report with them.
- Harness the Power of Social Media: This is a huge one! Post clear photos of the dog on local Facebook groups (e.g., “Lost and Found Pets of [Your City],” community pages). Include the location where you found the dog and the time of day. Pro-tip: Withhold one unique detail, like the dog’s name if you find it, or a specific feature of its collar. This helps you verify the true owner when they call.
Finding a lost dog is a true act of community kindness. It’s about neighbours helping neighbours (even the furry ones). Thank you for being the kind of person who stops to help. With these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to turn a scary day for a lost dog into a happy reunion.
For more info: BCSPCA Website