How to Help a Stray Dog

If you find a stray dog, the best thing to do is to call your local animal control officer. He or she may have a report of a missing dog that matches the one you found and will be able to properly secure and transport the dog.

Be careful when approaching a strange dog. If this one seems friendly, restrain or secure it with a carrier, leash or rope so that it will be there when the animal control officer arrives. If your local animal officer is unable to respond, you may need to drive the animal to a shelter yourself.

If the dog is clearly injured or in need of medical attention, think twice before taking it to a veterinarian's office -- you will be charged for its care, a burden you may not be able to take on. Call the animal hospital first and see if they have a "Samaritan" fund that will help pay for the care of stray dogs.

If you know something about the dog's past -- let's say it belonged to your neighbors who left it behind when they moved -- you may consider adding the stray to your household. If the dog seems friendly and well-socialized, be aware that it may belong to someone else and be prepared for the original owner to show up and claim it.

If the dog appears to belong to a specific breed, you may also be able to find assistance from a purebred dog rescue.