Found a stray dog? Do these five things first
4 min read
A dog wandering alone is usually a dog that got out ten minutes ago, a few streets away. Handled well, most are home the same day.
1. Approach without pressure
Crouch side-on, avoid staring, and offer food at arm's length. If the dog growls, stiffens or backs away, stop and call the council ranger — a frightened dog can bite from fear alone.
Use a slip lead if you have one, or a belt through a collar. Never grab a strange dog by the scruff.
2. Contain it somewhere calm
A fenced yard, a laundry, or a car with the windows cracked in the shade. Give water, not a big meal.
Keep it away from your own pets until a vet has checked it.
3. Scan and report locally
Any vet clinic will scan for a microchip free. Also notify the council or ranger — many owners ring them first.
Stay local. Driving a found dog to a shelter in another suburb pulls it out of the exact area its owner is searching.
4. Post a found report with one detail withheld
Post a photo, the approximate location and the date. Hold back one identifying feature so you can verify a claimant later.
On Pet Social a found report reaches owners searching nearby and pins to the map without publishing your address.
5. Hand over safely
Meet in daylight in a public place, ideally a vet car park where a chip scan can confirm ownership on the spot.
Keep messages in-app until you're satisfied the claim is genuine.
Post a free alert on Pet Social
Free to post, free to search, and every first conversation stays private inside the app.
Reunions, sightings and tips daily on Instagram — @petsocial2026