what should you do with a stray dog; reprise?

Question

the previous answers were only partially correct. there are very few "unowned dogs" in the US. the dog you find probaly is being missed by its family. It should go to your local shelter to be found by its owners. If you fear for the dog's safety there, tell them you'll adopt it if the owner's don't claim it.

Answer 1

There are very few "unowned" dogs in the U.S.? Are you KIDDING me?

Do you know that in my town alone the Humane Society/pound put down more than 1,000 cats and dogs a month? And those are just the ones they find or that are brought in.

(Last year (2004) in Hillsborough County, 37,000 dogs, cats, kittens and puppies were put to death. That represents 82% of all that were taken in to local shelters. - http://www.strideforstrays.org/whatis.html)


You're doing such a disservice to the public to give such misinformation. Yes, if you find a dog you should place an ad in the paper for it (my first choice) or as a last resort take it to a shelter. But don't make people thing that there isn't an epidemic of unwanted dogs in the States - there IS. Mainly because un-neutered and un-spayed PETS are allowed to run free.

Answer 2

There may be few "unowned" dogs, but there are many "disowned" dogs!!!!! There are many that are seemingly "put out" and/or not looked for. Most of the "stray" dogs taken to shelters are never claimed. There must be a reason for that!!!!!!!!I have worked at a shelter for years and not many dogs are ever claimed. I am sure they were owned at one time, but then either they were ditched, or just no one bothered to look for them!!!!!!!!
And if there is no collar,microchip,or tattoo.....what can you do???

Answer 3

Last fall, we had this stray running around. I called Animal Control and she verified that this dog was, in fact, a stray. I finally caught him. A/C said she'd have to put him down because he was "just a stray". Well, I didn't like hearing that. I decided to keep him for awhile. After a few weeks, I decided to keep him permanently. Got him a heartworm test, when it was negative, I put him on Interceptor. Got him current on his shots, and neutered; now he's got a great life with me, my husband, and our other 3 dogs and 2 cats.

I can't save them all, but Sam is one good dog -- OK, so he likes to "eat" pillows and blankets, but other than that, I am so glad I saved him. I know I can't take in every stray, but one thing I can do is give a little money to help other animals in need.

We can win this war, one battle at a time. Please, unless you're a RESPONSIBLE breeder, spay or neuter your dogs.

He's still leery of most people, except me, and he's starting to trust my husband a little. He's slowly coming out of his shell. Every time I look at him, I am glad that I found room for him.

In all that we've been through, the worst he's ever done is puked in my car. Ok...the worst really, was he chewed a small hole in my favorite blanket.

One battle at a time...spay or neuter, and we can win this war!

Answer 4

well u should try to fund the owner even if the dog is the cutest but if u dont find the owner within about a 2 week period thn u should totally take it to the vet give it itz shots and keep the dog!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

i have a stray lab that showed up. i went to pet him and he ducked his head. i know he was abused. it took time but now he is loveable. he can leave anytime. i got another stray dog that just showed up. if you can't keep him then the shelter is the best place.

Answer 6

call animal controll and they will take good care of the animal untill they find a home or if you think sombody owns the dog make big posters and put them around your neiborhood ,I did and the familt was so thankful!!!!

Answer 7

thats wot i did with the dog i found,it was reunited with its owners,poor thing!

Answer 8

Asked and answered.

Answer 9

um i think you answered your own question

Answer 10

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