Found dog: how to react correctly?
You have found a dog, whether he lets himself be approached or not, here is the procedure to follow so that he can find his owner as quickly as possible. Found dog: world of employment!
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Finding a dog that seems to have wandered off can be confusing! What to do ? Who to contact so that he can quickly reach his owner?
When we find a dog by chance, our first instinct may be to approach it. I understand you, I am the same! However, do very be careful: a lost dog may be injured, exhausted, very stressed, or simply unfamiliar with humans. There is therefore a risk of bite if you quickly approach this dog that you do not know.
First of all, observe the attitude of the dog you have just found: does he seem relaxed to you? Or on the contrary, he seems stiff and suspicious, even evasive?
With Musher, it happened that we came across a small dog without an accompanying person on a walk. Fortunately, he is very sociable and easily allowed himself to be approached. So I was able to do what was necessary for him to quickly find his owners. Less than an hour later, he was home!
The found dog lets himself be caught
If the dog you have just found lets itself be approached, grab hold slowly while remaining vigilant for signs of aggression or flight. You can hold out the back of your hand so he can smell it before you grab him. If possible, let him come to you. Don't take any risks: if you have a doubt, don't take it. I explain who to contact in the second part of the article.
However, if he allows himself to be handled, first observe if he is wearing a medal or necklace with a number to contact.
If this is not the case and you have the possibility, take him to the vet. He will be able to verify that the animal is identified and contact its owner. He will also be able to provide him with canine first aid. If there is no identification, the veterinarian will explain the procedure to you or will carry it out himself.
Be careful, every dog you come across that “seems” alone is not necessarily a lost dog… I once took in a stray dog, reported it on social networks and managed to find its owner. When he came to collect his dog that I had fed and pampered, he yelled at me! His dog wanders around all day and comes back every evening, and not seeing him come back because I had almost kidnapped him, the person had made bad blood because of me! What incredible nerve! Firstly, it is strictly forbidden to let your dog wander and secondly, how could I tell the difference between a lost dog and a dog whose owner lets him wander due to lack of time to go for a normal walk???! In short, know it…
The found dog does not let itself be approached
If on the contrary the dog does not let itself be approached, do not force contact. He may indeed flee and escape you, or bite you to defend himself. However, it is essential to get him out of there quickly, especially if the poor dog is near roads or hunting areas. However, you have means of action :
- Note precisely where you found this dog, as well as the direction in which it is moving;
- Take as clear photos as possible of the dog found and the location;
- Then contact the town hall, as they manage the impound service. You can also contact the pound directly, as well as the police and gendarmerie services if the first two cannot be reached;
- You can also contact animal protection associations. These can help catch the found dog before taking it to the pound. However, they are often over-demanded and therefore not very available;
- Report the dog found in the department's Filalapat and Pet Alert Facebook groups and on the Filalapat application.
Found dog: what the law says
Legally, it is prohibited to keep a stray or wandering dog in your home. Although it is tempting to take in a found dog while returning it to its owner, to avoid the pound, it is therefore illegal.
If not directly to its owner, it must be taken to a pound.
After 8 days spent in this establishment, if no one has claimed it, it becomes the property of the pound manager.
After that, 3 possible outcomes: either he remains in the pound, or he is entrusted to a shelter or an association, or he is unfortunately euthanized.
Rest assured, the vast majority of dogs found return to their owner! We must still recognize that this is an uncertain situation that can stress everyone, including you! For the little dog we found with Musher, however, it was the opposite. He was very peaceful walking alone, and his owners were not worried about his “repeated escapes”.