Judy Taylor
There is nothing more heartbreaking than thinking that your beloved pet may disappear. Having some sort of plan in place is wise in any situation, especially one as dire as this one. However, you might occasionally stumble upon a lost dog. This creates the difficult question: what is the best way to get the dog back to its owner? This is a societal responsibility in addition to being a nice deed.
Anyone who has ever experienced the dread of losing their dog can relate to the owner of the lost dog. In addition, everyone wants their pets to be happy and safe. Here are some actions you may take to assist a lost dog in finding their home while you are providing care for them.
Steps to Take to Find the Owner of a Lost Dog
Have you found a lost dog? Don’t worry; by doing these easy steps, you can assist it in finding its family.
Step – 1: Catch the Dog
The hardest part is usually the first one. Lost animals are often fearful and timid in a strange place. Be calm and gently approach the lost animal so it doesn’t run away. Keep in mind that it may attack if you try to grab it by force. Comfort the dog and let it get used to you. If the lost dog is very hostile, it is safer to call rescue groups.
After you have secured the dog, bring it to a safe place. Get a sturdy leash from any pet shop to keep the dog in check. Before you introduce the lost dog to your own pets or other dogs, inspect it for any wounds or sicknesses.
Step – 2: Check out the tags for identity.
Once you have secured the found dog, you can begin the search for its owner. First, look at the dog’s collar for an ID tag to get the owner’s contact information. If the tag is not there, you might still find a rabies tag with the veterinarian’s number.
If none of these tags are there, the next step is to check for a microchip. Bring the lost dog to the veterinarian’s office where they scan for microchips, without any charge. If the dog has a chip, the office will contact the microchip company or look up a microchip database. This way you’re sure to find the owner’s contact details.
If the dog is too violent or hard to catch, call the local police department. With their assistance, take the dog to a nearby shelter. Animal shelters and animal hospitals can also check dogs for microchips and search the national database for the owner’s information.
Step – 3: Bring the Lost Dog to the Animal Shelter
Lost dogs that lack tags and microchips are usually taken to animal shelters, humane societies, or other community animal control agencies. This is because animal shelters are a common place where the owner of the lost dog would search for it.
Most shelters have a found report and lost reports submitted by pet owners. Make sure to snap a picture before the dog leaves for any of the shelters. It will aid in reuniting the dog with its family.
But you don’t need to surrender the dog to a shelter. Notify the local animal shelter about the found dog and keep it with you until the lost dog owner locates it. While you hold the dog with you, get it checked by any of the nearby vets. Also, visit pet supply stores to buy some good-quality food and toys for the furry companion.
Step – 4: Create a Poster of Found Dog
An old-fashioned but good way to find the owner is to print posters with the dog’s pictures. Hang these paper posters on bulletin boards, telephone poles, and utility poles within two miles from where you rescued the dog. Make sure to hang these flyers at all major intersections where they will be noticed by a lot of people.
Besides, mention where the dog was rescued and your contact details. If the owner sees the poster, they may show up at your door searching for their pet. This way, you have the best opportunity to reunite the owner and their furry pal.
Broaden your search online by posting flyers on the lost and found Facebook pages of various local shelters. Don’t stop at these, post on other sites as well. Another way to reach the owner is to print a dog missing report in the local newspaper.
Step – 5: Post on Lost and Found Dog Community
If you have been with the dog in over a day, you should post on a lost and found website like PawMaw.com. These websites help owners who have parted from their dogs, cats, and other animals to reunite with them. You can also get support from these networks when you go through the traumatic experience of losing your dog in the woods or at night. Besides, you should post on these site with the keyword “found dog near me”
Step – 6: Request Evidence from Those Claiming Ownership
Dog theft is a cruel reality. People claim to be the dog owner to sell the dog later for cash. In worse scenarios, they may exploit the dog for unlawful breeding, or as bait for dogfighting at times.
The final step in how to find a lost dog’s owner is when you get a call from a potential owner. If a person calls you claiming to be the owner of the dog, do not reveal the dog. Ask them to give a detailed description of the dog. Confirm their ownership. It should be accurate and exact, something that only the dog’s true owner would be familiar with. Even if the caller is sincere, it is advisable to take this safety measure before returning the lost pet.
Verdict
Dogs love affection. Be the kind soul who offers them a safe haven while they hope to find their family. The next time you encounter a lost dog, imagine how terrible it would be for you to lose your beloved pet. Care for the lonely pet as you would want your pet to be cared for.
If you encounter a fluffy buddy separated from its family, follow these tips on how to find a lost dog owner. This guide on how to find the owner of a lost dog is a sure method to reunite a family that is in distress.
Do you know any other ways besides the ones mentioned above in helping reunite a lost pet with its family? Please share with us. You are also welcome to share if you have done this kind of great job.
