Help! I’ve found wildlife. What do I do?
Read more
Dogs can become lost for all sorts of reasons; even the most obedient pup can find themselves separated from their loving guardian. It doesn’t take long for a much-loved pet to lose weight, develop matting in their coat, or get injured if they cannot find their way to safety. So please keep in mind that a dog’s appearance likely doesn’t reflect how much they’re loved or how eager their owner is to find them.
Lost dogs may be scared and fearful, so take care and stay calm. Don’t force the dog to interact; if you can’t catch them, simply herding them into a yard where you can safely confine them is a great way to keep them safe.
If you’ve safely caught and contained the dog, well done! The first thing to do is check them for any obvious signs of injury and get them to a vet if they need help.
Check for identification
If the dog is wearing a collar or tag with contact details, contact their guardian directly and help them get home.
Try to reunite them locally
Dogs are often found close to home, so take a clear photo and ask nearby neighbours whether they recognise the dog. You can also share the photo through relevant local lost-and-found pet or community groups.
If you can safely keep the dog with you for a couple of hours while you look for their guardian, that's often helpful. If the dog needs to be taken somewhere else, let local contacts know where they've gone so their guardian can follow up.
Get help checking their microchip
Local lost-and-found pet groups may also be able to help. Some community members have microchip scanners and may be able to help connect the dog with their registered guardian through the appropriate microchip services.
Depending on your state or territory, a local vet clinic may also be able to help with a microchip scan or reunification advice. Call the clinic first, as what they can do with a found dog varies by location.
Some rescue groups also have their own microchip scanners and would be willing to help you find the pet’s guardian or help you with next steps. You can use the PetRescue Rescue Directory to find a rescue group in your area.
When to contact the council
The local council shelter is usually the first place an owner will look for their pet, so get them there as soon as possible if you can’t get the dog straight home or contact the owner. It’s important that you reach out to the council in the area where you found the dog—if the dog is taken to a different council, it will make it very difficult for the owner to find their beloved pet.
If you can’t reach the council, often local vet clinics will be able to scan the dog for a microchip and either reach out to the owners directly or safely hold the dog until the council can come.
