What To Do When You Find a Lost Dog

Quick Take

• Your first instinct when approaching a scared lost dog could be the exact move that puts it in danger. Approach safely instead →
• There's one thing you should do before you even take a step toward the dog, and most people skip it entirely. Do this first →
• Bringing a lost dog into your home sounds kind, but it carries a hidden risk to the pets you already have. Protect your pets →
• Falling in love with a found dog and wanting to keep it? The law may have a very specific timeline in mind before that's even legal. Know the legal timeline →

Finding a lost dog triggers a mix of urgency, protectiveness, and ultimately profound satisfaction once the dog is reunited with its owner. The initial discovery brings a wave of concern and a strong instinct to keep the vulnerable pup safe. The search for its owner can be fraught with disappointment and hope in equal measure, as you navigate the avenues to reunification. But what steps can you take to hasten the process?

Take a Picture

Before you attempt to approach the dog, always take a picture. You can post it online later to let the owner know where their dog was seen, even if the dog has already left the area.

It’s okay if the first picture isn’t perfect. You can take clearer close-ups later if the dog allows you to get closer.

Use Treats to Lure the Dog to You

You’ll also want to be prepared with dog treats and a leash. Get low to the ground, avoid eye contact, and toss treats in the dog’s direction.

Some friendly dogs might come to you immediately, making it unnecessary to use treats. Do not chase a skittish pup. This could push them further from home or into dangerous situations, such as onto a busy road.

Leash or Enclose the Dog if Possible

Even if you can’t keep the dog until their owner is found, please put them on a leash or enclose them in a safe space. This might be your car, garage, or fenced yard.

From there, you can call animal control or your local shelter. Alternatively, a neighbor might be able to care for the dog until the owner is found.

If you have pets of your own, keep the dog away from them to avoid spreading pests or diseases to your animals.

Check for Tags on the Dog’s Collar

If the dog is wearing a collar, they might also have ID tags with the owner’s address and phone number attached. Some dogs may be energetic or restless while you’re checking their tags, but do your best to read the information and contact the owner.

Ask Your Neighbors

Ask around the area where you found the dog. Often, neighbors will be familiar with the local escape artist and know where they live.

You can also post photos of the dog on Nextdoor or in local Facebook groups.

See if the Dog is Microchipped

Shelters and veterinarians typically have microchip readers and can scan the dog to see if it has a microchip. Microchips contain the owner’s contact information, allowing you to contact them and arrange to return their lost pet.

Print Lost Dog Posters

Lost Dog posters are a wonderful way to get the message out. Posters should contain a photo of the dog, any other information you have, and your contact information.

Hang them around the neighborhood and hand them out to local pet businesses such as pet stores, veterinarians’ offices, or dog groomers.

Call Local Shelters and Veterinarians

Ideally, someone missing their dog will be calling local shelters and vets’ offices.
If you call and describe the found dog, the shelter or vet may be able to connect you with the owner.

Take The Dog to a Shelter if You Cannot Hold Them

If you or a neighbor can’t keep the dog until their owner is found, please take it to a local shelter. Never leave a lost dog on the street, as they could end up injured or dead.

Pet dogs often cannot survive without human assistance and may not recognize potential dangers. You’re also helping the dog’s family by ensuring their pet is safe. If your own dog were lost, wouldn’t you want someone to help in the same way?

Check Your State Laws for Keeping the Dog if You Don’t Find the Owner

It’s always tempting to keep a sweet dog you find roaming outside, but you have to remember that someone else is usually missing it. However, there’s always the possibility that someone dumped the dog or that you’ll never find the owners, no matter how hard you search.

If you wish to keep the dog you’ve found, please follow your local laws. Most states in 2026 require that you make reasonable efforts to find the owner and observe a holding period, often between 3 and 90 days, before the dog can legally become yours, although these timeframes and requirements vary considerably by location.

Some places have laws that require you to surrender the dog to animal control for a specified holding period. If you inform them of your interest, some shelters may allow you to adopt the dog if the owner does not come forward, but policies on prioritizing finders for adoption vary by jurisdiction.