What Do I do When....?

Finding a stray dog can be a stressful situation, but your actions can make a big difference in reuniting the dog with its owner or ensuring it finds a safe home. Follow these steps to help the dog and navigate the process responsibly:

1. Ensure the Dog’s Safety

• Approach with Caution: If the dog seems approachable and friendly, slowly approach and avoid sudden movements. If the dog is scared or aggressive, do not chase it—call your local animal control or police for assistance.

• Leash or Contain the Dog: If safe, use a leash, rope, or a makeshift lead to secure the dog and prevent it from running into dangerous areas like traffic. Putting it in a back yard, car, or a room in your home is a good way to contain the animal while waiting for help. 

2. Check for Identification

• Collar and Tags: Look for any tags that might have the owner's contact information, such as a phone number or address.

• Microchip: If there are no visible tags, take the dog to a nearby veterinarian, animal shelter, or rescue organization to have it scanned for a microchip. This is a quick and painless process that can instantly provide the owner's details.

3. Notify Local Authorities

• Contact Animal Control: Report the stray dog to your local animal control or the nearest animal shelter. In many towns, this is the first step in ensuring the dog is properly cared for and increases the chances of reuniting it with its owner.

• File a PetFBI.org Report: It is easy and effective in reuniting animals. This report will automatically be posted to Lost Dogs Illinois.

4. Spread the Word

• Social Media: Post a clear photo and description of the dog on local community social media pages, such as neighborhood Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or lost and found pet networks.

• Flyers: Create and distribute flyers in your area, especially around popular locations like parks, pet stores, vet clinics, village hall and the area you found the animal.

• Lost Pet Websites: Register the found dog on lost pet websites such as Lost Dogs Illinois and PawBoost, where owners often search for their missing pets.

5. Check for Lost Pet Notices

• Local Shelters and Websites: Check with local shelters and browse online and on Social Media lost pet pages to see if anyone has reported a missing dog matching the one you found. 

• Community Bulletin Boards: Many neighborhoods, pet stores, and vet offices have bulletin boards where people post lost pet notices. Keep an eye out for these.

6. Provide Temporary Care

• Shelter: If you are able, provide temporary shelter for the dog while you search for the owner. Ensure the dog is safe and comfortable with food, water, and a quiet place to rest. Do not allow the stray dog to come in contact with your own pets to ensure parasites and diseases aren't spread.

• Veterinary Care: If the dog appears injured or unwell, consider taking it to an emergency vet. Some veterinarians offer reduced fees for found pets or work with local rescues to provide care.

7. Understand Legal Obligations

• Stray Holding Period: Many towns have laws requiring a specific holding period during which efforts must be made to find the dog's owner before rehoming or keeping the dog. The Village of Bellwood's stray holding period is 3 days. Other surrounding towns vary between 3 and 10 days. 

• Report to Authorities: Always report the found dog to your local animal control and the police department to comply with local regulations and give the owner the best chance of finding their pet.
   

8. What NOT To Do

• Do not give the dog away to anyone without proof of ownership. Photos, rabies certificates, vet paperwork, bill of sale are all ways to prove ownership.

• Do not ask if someone wants the dog without trying to find its owners. This is considered theft. Please scan for a microchip and report to your local police department or animal control.

• Do not give the dog away.

• Do not assume the dog was neglected or abused. Some dogs have been missing for a long period of time and can look rough from the streets.

• Do not keep the dog or bypass finding the rightful owners.
   

By following these steps, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of the stray dog and increase the chances of reuniting them with their owner. Your kindness and quick actions can make all the difference!