As of yesterday, I have taken in a dog that was found roaming loose by my nephews school. No one recognized the dog as belonging to anyone in the area. Here's what I did:
1) Called the Humane Society & County Animal Shelter to file a found report.
2) Ran ads in the city paper & a smaller paper circulation in the area the dog was found.
3) Put ad on Craig's List.
4) Putting out posters in the general area found & any local retailers that allow it.
5) Checked for a microchip, none.
None of the ads describe the dog beyond stating a small/medium size. I expect the owner to be able to properly identify so as to ensure it is the true owner inquiring. Any other ideas I might try?
There is a 3 dog limit in our town, so we can't keep the dog permenantly. But if an owner isn't found, I will seek out local rescue groups to see if it can be placed on their listings and am willing to foster until a adopted. How long should I wait before concluding the owner can't be found?
2006-10-25 07:20:21 · 17 answers · asked by Shadow's Melon 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Our Humane Society is overpopulated and anyone who can help by keeping a dog until owner can be found is encouraged. They merely ask that you place a "found dog" report with a full description of the dog with them. Should any one call, they will have the report and refer the owner to me. Our Humane Society is overpopulated and anyone who can help by keeping a dog until owner can be found is encouraged here. Sadly, our HS is not a non kill shelter and animals get only 5 days to be adopted before being put to sleep. I would break the local law and keep this sweet dog before I'd send it to the shelter where it would be put down if not adopted out. I understand many shelters must do this, but I intend to prevent it in this case. We have many great rescue groups in the area I will contact if need be.
I considered this dog was "dropped off" and by a school sure would be a good place for a child to bring home to beg the parents. There were no tags either, just a collar.
2006-10-25 07:36:21 · update #1
Wow! It really sounds like you've made every effort to find that dog's owner - what a nice person you are. I would wait a few weeks to see if I hear anything - depending on how long the newspaper ad is running, I suppose. Two to three weeks sounds like sufficient time to me.
2006-10-25 07:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by Sam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks like you've done a lot already. CONGRATS to you for your ethics.
My suggestions are:
1- ask the local shelter if anyone has called with his description
2- put up flyers (consider a picture on it) in the area found, and expand to shopping centres and banks -- this is where most people are likely to see them
3- as far as someone coming forward to "claim their dog", please be careful not to give the dog to someone with an evil purpose -- perhaps ask them to provide photos of the dog or them and their dog to ensure it is their dog
4- please try not to drop the dog off at the humane society unless it is a no-kill shelter...we do not want that dog to die just because it had the misfortune of getting lost
5- consider the fact that someone may not want the dog back and will never come forward...try to get it a good home
6- ask your local tv station to do a special on the dog to locate the owner
7- if all else fails consider keeping it yourself -- hopefully you can get away with the extra dog
I hope all goes well for the dog. Tell him/her there are many people out there rooting for him.
2006-10-25 07:58:08 · answer #2 · answered by Tiberius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you've blanked the area quite well. If you haven't heard anything within 48 hours, the owner isn't looking too hard for the dog, if you know what I mean. I might also place posters at local vetinary clinics, too.
Check with your city, but some allow you to have more than the "limit" if you apply for a kennel license.
If the dog had no collar on, chances are the prior owner will not be looking for the dog.
2006-10-25 07:29:01 · answer #3 · answered by bordercollieoverdrive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, I need to say thank God for people like you!! You did everything you could, kudos. I'd have to imagine whoever lost this dog will be searching and hopefully find you. Unfortunately the owner may have let him go or even worse, drove him far from home and dropped him off. People can be heartless. Just knowing you have done so much in an effort to help should help you feel good about the situation. Good luck. That dog is lucky you are the one who found him.
2006-10-25 07:24:28 · answer #4 · answered by Allyson 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people give up on their dogs within a week.
I would say if you can't find the owner within 7 days go ahead and hand him over to a rescue center ..
Just know in your heart you did everything you could.
Most people wouldn't go thru all that trouble.
Try Petfinders as well. I think they have a lost and found section and then post some flyers around the school.
Alot of people who have pets have kids.
2006-10-25 07:24:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you've covered everything. Hopefuly the owner will be responsable enough to look for the dog. I would try to wait at least a couple of weeks, you never know, the owner may be out of town and not even aware that the dog is missing. Good Luck!
2006-10-25 07:24:02 · answer #6 · answered by kalamibe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can take the dog TO the Humane Society and surrender it. Often, the owners can come looking for them there. and the Humane Society has more resources than you for seeking a pets owner. And within a set time, if the owner isn't found, they will find a GOOD new home for the pet. Again, they have an adoption process, including background checks and interviews to ensure they have found a good home, so you can feel safe taking them there.
2006-10-25 07:24:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Did you send out flyers with the kids at the school?
Ask the principal to announce missing dog on the school intercom.
Who knows? One of the students might have had a pet follow them to school that day? When I taught school, that happened alot. Many of the students can look at the dog and tell you who it belongs to.....give it a try! And good for you!
2006-10-25 07:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by greeneyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how large your community is, but another option is to call your local police department. Sounds far-fetched, I know, but my local police department gladly assists in any way they can. Just ask if anyone has reported a missing dog, and if not, ask if you can leave your information with them in case someone does call.
People involve the police more often then I had realized when it comes to lost pets.
2006-10-25 07:38:46 · answer #9 · answered by KJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would also try putting posters up at local veterinarians' offices that give a better description of the dog. other than that, it sounds like you've done a lot. it could be that the owners don't want to find the dog :(
2006-10-25 07:23:23 · answer #10 · answered by mighty_power7 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋