Help! I Have Found A Stray Dog!
Recently at AIR we have been inundated with calls of strays. We want to help every dog we can, so before you call, please make sure you have read this list so we can best support the pup you have found.
You can help us a lot but doing a couple of things for any dog you find, depending on the situation.
Safety: Always remember to use caution when approaching a strange dog. Being abandoned or lost can make even the most friendly dog anxious. Do not send children to approach the dog, and if possible approach slow, low, and to the side to appear less threatening. Not all dogs show fear in the same way, which can make it hard to gauge whether a dog may snap; watch for raised hackles, ears back to the head, and tail tucked.
If you find an abandoned dog that has been tied out, here are some steps you can take:
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Approach the dog slowly and cautiously to avoid scaring them
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Check for any signs of injury or dehydration
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Give the dog some water and food if you have any available
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If you are unable to take care of the dog in the meantime, make sure to stay in a safe distance while you wait for help to arrive
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Call us and we can see if we can help. It is dependent on space available and size of animal at the time.
Here are some steps to take if you find a dog loose in the neighborhood:
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Approach the dog slowly and cautiously to avoid scaring them
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If the dog is friendly, check for any tags or identification on the dog
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If possible, secure the dog.
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Call us and we can see if we can help. It is dependent on space available and size of animal at the time.
When you call us we will ask you the following questions, so please have the information ready:
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Where is the dog, or where was the dog last seen?
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How long ago was the dog seen?
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What is the temperament of the dog?
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Does the dog look hurt or injured in anyway?
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Are you able or willing to take the dog to a nearby rescue or Vet to scan it for a microchip?
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Is the dog a puppy, senior? What does it look like, so we can identify it.
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Are you able to text us a picture of the dog?
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If we can not immediately take the dog, are you willing to share your phone number as contact for our social media post about the lost dog?