Dogs are part
of the family. The unique personalities and characteristics
our dogs possess are irreplaceable, and it can be heart-breaking to lose their
company. Stray dogs are a growing problem in the United States, and a majority
of these strays are forced to wander the dangerous streets or begin a new life
in an animal shelter. Learning how to properly bring a stray dog to safety is
vital for your safety, as well as the stray’s safety.
When trying to care for a
stray, safety is always first. It is easy to become swept up in emotions when
you see a stray dog hurt or in a dangerous situation — like running in
traffic. Even if you have good
intentions, it is important to consider all options before taking action to
keep the situation from becoming even more hazardous.
There are numerous ways to
encounter a stray dog, but the most common scenarios are on foot or in
vehicular traffic. Remaining calm is the key to keeping a clear mind and
deciding the best option for the stray’s safety. For instance, if you are
driving and encounter a stray in traffic, try to pull over on the side of the
road where it is safe. If you are unable to pull over or are a passenger of the
car, take note of the animal, its health condition, and the exact location it
was seen. The driver of the car can either turn back around to help the dog or
report the situation to animal control. Whether you are on foot or in the car,
analyzing the condition of the animal is important for your safety. The dog may
be injured, sick, malnourished, or even rabid. If the stray dog appears to be
defensive and could bite or attack, do not approach the dog. Instead, take note
of the dog's location and give as much detail as possible to animal control.
A stray dog may also find its way into your yard, which can be potentially hazardous for your outside pets. “As with any pet that you do not know well, you must approach the stray carefully,” said Dr. James Barr, clinical assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “If the stray is friendly, make sure that they do not have any substantial contact with your pets. The stray animal needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian for infectious disease and to ensure they are healthy. Strays are not likely vaccinated so they should be kept separate from other pets until they get an all clear from a veterinarian.”
If you are able to safely
handle and collect the dog, the next step is to check for identification. Some
stray dogs are lucky enough to remain identified through a collar and dog tag,
while others are branded through a microchip. If the dog appears to have no identification,
it is still important to take the dog to the veterinarian or local animal
shelter to scan for a possible microchip. If the dog is marked with a
microchip, the contact information of the owner will then be provided through
the computer system.
Proper identification on
dogs may make contacting the owners far easier than searching for the owner on
your own. While searching for the owner, a trip to the veterinarian is
essential to make sure the stray is not injured or sick. “The veterinarians will
look for normal issues that occur in uncared for animals, but they are also
adept at trying to find owners for these pets if you are unable to locate them
yourself,” explained Barr. “Additionally, the animal control authorities will
usually take these pets in if you are not able to take care of the pet that you
found.”
While it can be
heart-breaking to see a stray dog in a dangerous situation, it is important to
thoroughly evaluate your options before letting your emotions get the best of
you. Remember to remain calm and choose the safest option for both you and the
stray dog, and never approach a dog that poses as a threat. It is best to save
the number of your local animal control service in case you ever need to report
a stray dog.
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