06/03/2026
FOUND A DOG? READ THIS BEFORE RUSHING TO THE SHELTER! 🐾
If you cross paths with a lost pup, it’s easy to assume they’ve been abandoned—but they might just be a beloved family pet who slipped out of the yard! Before heading straight to the animal shelter, please consider taking a few simple steps first.
Once a dog enters a crowded shelter system, the chances of them finding their way back home drop significantly. Owners might not know which shelter to check, or the facility might be far from where the dog went missing.
If you are able to safely keep the dog for just a little while, you can be the ultimate hero and help reunite a family! Here is what you can do to help:
• Walk the Block: Take the dog for a walk around the immediate area where you found them. Often, they live just a street or two over, and a neighbor (or a frantic owner) will recognize them!
• Get Social: Post clear photos of the dog on your local social media pages (neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, etc.). Make sure to include the exact date, time, and cross-streets where you spotted them.
• Scan for a Microchip: Bring the pup to any local vet clinic or pet supply store. They can quickly scan the dog for a microchip for free, which might give you the owner's direct contact info.
• File a Report: Call or visit your local shelter to file a "Found Pet Report" so they have the dog's description on file if the owner calls looking for them.
By keeping the dog safe in the neighborhood where they were lost, you drastically increase their chances of a happy reunion. Let’s work together to keep pets out of shelters and get them back where they belong!
