How long before a found dog is yours?

Question

I recently found a dog, a small blonde husky mix. She's a very sweet dog, but has a bad case of mange, along with runny eyes, and general ill health. I've posted flyers in the local area, trying to find her owner, run an ad in two local papers, and posted ads on the internet. I've checked for lost dog ads. So far, no luck.
The thing is, I really want to keep this dog. I've already taken her to the vet, and there is no microchip. She never had a collar or tags.
She's an absolute sweetheart, and gets along with my very dominant female German Shepherd. She even likes my cats!!!
So, how long before I can consider this dog mine?

It's just that if she were my dog and was lost, I'd really want her back, and I feel bad that there might be an owner out there who misses their dog. But I've looked extensively, and no one has reported a dog of that description missing. If she were my dog, I'd be combing the countryside looking for her. The entire county would know that I've lost a dog! And I'm getting really attached to her...I've already taught her to sit, and I've got her started on mange treatment. I've already named her...Denali!

I've had her for 5 days now.

Answer 1

I have rescued several dogs, so had to learn the rules..

You are expected to contact all local shelters and tell them you have the dog..then you put an ad in the local paper (they are usually free..under lost and found) and after 21 days, if no one has claimed her..she is yours.
.If someone does claim her.. you can expect them to pay the vet bills before taking her home..and reasonable boarding..Here it is $12 per day.

I'm with Patti..sounds like a match made in Heaven!
Be sure to get Revolution on your GSD to keep him protected from the mange..

Answer 2

I think it depends on which state you live in.
If you plan to keep the animal in the event no owner is found, notify animal control that you have the animal or that you have taken him to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Keep of copy of the ID to prove your good intention should any questions arise later. To check on any relevant laws in your state, county, or town, contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or SPCA. Many times, the dog or cat you find along the highway will turn out to be unowned, unwanted, and unclaimed. Even so, the person finding the stray dog or cat does not automatically become the owner or keeper – until he has satisfied certain state and/or local requirements. In almost every state, the animal is not “owned” by the finder until the holding period for strays (as specified by state or local laws) has expired and the finder has made an attempt to reunite the animal with his original owner and/or has taken steps – obtaining vaccinations, license, collar and identification tag – to prove he is now the owner.
Don’t assume you are dealing with an irresponsible owner. Accidents can happen to anyone. The frantic owner may be looking everywhere for their beloved pet.

I know when I lived in Phoenix and found my dog, I took her over to the Humane Society and told them I was interested in keeping her if her owner was not found. They took down my info. and advised me to take her home and that if I didn't hear anything in a week, then she was mine. I did post flyers as well and her owner was never found.

Answer 3

good for you! i found my dog outside of a gas station, he also had mange and someone banded his doggie balls and he was really sick and infected so I took him and made him for my own, hes soooo sweet. I hope your new doggie gets well soon. I guess what i am trying to tell you is, It takes a while for a dog to get mange, and any respectable owner would take the dog in, to get treated, it sounds like this dog was on her own for a while or neglected. I would say throw the flyers away and keep her sweet little self.

Answer 4

How long have you had her? I'd say just keep her, you're already taken better care of her than the previous owners. Check with the local animal shelters too, to be sure that nobody has put in a missing pet report.

Answer 5

I live in Alabama also, I think the law is, if not claimed within 30 days, she's yours, it sounds like you've done all you could to find her former owners, they probably don't want her since they didn;t take care of her, keep all your receipts just in case they should show up later and try to claim her, then you can demand payment for all the expenses you have had and you can probably bet that they don't want to pay
I think you have yourself a new dog
Good Luck

Answer 6

when the dog can look into your eyes without turning and walking away and as soon as it starts scratching the other side of the door when you get home - then and only then can you truly consider it yours.

seriously though, if you've put that much time and effort into finding the owner you have every right to call it your own.

Answer 7

Sounds to me you have a dog. I got one when the hurricane passed through. Nest day a dog appeared in my front yard. Great lil dog. I kept her day one. Too much crazy stuff going on at that time to look for a owner.

Answer 8

It sounds like she was abandoned and you have done everything in your power to find the owners. I am not sure what the laws are where you live, but I am guessing that 60-90 days.

Answer 9

The dog you've found was in pretty bad shape. It sounds like, even if someone did once own her, they didn't care enough to take good care of her. Most likely she has been a stray for a while.

To me, it sounds like you've got a new dog. She's lucky to have found someone to take care of her.

~AJ~

Answer 10

is there a possibility she was just dumped off
somewhere?
Given the extent of the mange a vet would
know the state of neglect and the duration of it.

base your decision on that inquiry
and proceed as such.

from what you are expressing,
keep the dog
and treat it as a member of your family.
and don't send it back where it came from.