You Found a Dog – Now What?

Written By Arden Moore

Thousands of dogs go missing from their homes every day. It happens in every state. And thousands of panic-filled pet parents search neighborhoods and animal shelters, create lost dog posters, and check in with neighborhood apps like Next Door to try to find their missing pets.

But do you know what to do if you spot a free-roaming dog who definitely appears lost? As America’s Pet Health and Safety Coach, I am all about playing it safe.

Before you approach that roaming dog, ask yourself:

  • Do you know how to safely handle a dog you do not know to avoid being bit? 

  • Do you keep a spare leash in your car as well as pet treats and a water bowl to entice the dog to come to you?

  • Can you secure the dog in your vehicle so that you can safely drive to your home or to the nearest veterinary clinic or animal shelter to scan the dog for any signs of a microchip identification chip?

  • Do you have a room in your home or a secure fenced area in your yard to keep this dog safe while you try to find his owner?

  • Do you have other pets in your home who may be agitated seeing this newcomer?

  • Do you even know how to report a lost dog?

 Bottom line:  Always make your safety your top priority.

Helping an animal in need is admirable

Just make sure you keep yourself safe and have a plan for what comes next.

Let me unleash these safety tips:

  • Approach calmly and slowly. Never face an unknown dog head on.

  • Speak in a calm, confident tone.

  • Size up the dog’s behavior signals. Do not approach a fearful or aggressive dog to avoid being bit. Let the dog opt to come toward you.

  • Check for a phone number on the collar or tag.  But for your safety, gently rotate the tag to the back of the neck to read the owner’s phone number.

  • Take a photo or two of the dog and post it on neighborhood apps like NextDoor.  Starting in late 2025, the makers of the Ring security cameras added a free tool called Search Party. Its prime purpose is to have participating neighbors share info on missing dogs to try to reunite them with their families.

  • If the dog is friendly enough for you to leash him, take him to the nearest animal shelter or veterinary clinic to have them scan for a microchip ID that should contain the owner’s name and contact info.  

  • If you are able to safely bring the dog to your home, post FOUND DOG posters on telephone phones in your neighborhood and local businesses. Make sure the post has a clear photo of the dog, where you found the dog and your phone  number.

Here are companies with tools to reunite missing pets to check out:

Final Tip:

Show your cat and dog how much you care for them by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes.  We offer three options for you to earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in our pet first aid/CPR programs:

Pick the best option for you and sign up today!

 

About the Author:

Arden Moore, founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, is a Master Pet First Aid/CPR Instructor who teaches veterinarian-approved, hands-on safety courses alongside her teaching team of Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). Known as “The Pet First Aid & Safety Coach,” Arden is also a nationally recognized behavior consultant, bestselling author of over 25 pet books, and the award-winning host of the “Oh Behave!” podcast. A Fear Free Certified Professional, she brings decades of pet expertise to all her endeavors — with a mission to help pets live safer, longer and healthier lives.

Arden Moore
Next

10 Hydration Tips for Cats and Dogs