Do you know what to do if you find a dog or spot a dog? Knowing exactly what to do can help ensure the legal owners are found. In Wisconsin the legal stray hold is 5 days. It's important that if you ever see a loose dog you do NOT approach, follow, call to, whistle at, or chase the dog- if you are trying to secure it allow it to approach you.
I've Found A Dog
The dog is currently contained and in my possession.
*IF AN OWNER COMES FORWARD PLEASE ASK FOR VET RECORDS & PHOTOS FOR PROOF OF OWNERSHIP!*
First check for a collar with an ID tag, even if it only has a rabies vaccine tag or registration tag you can still get information off to call the vet or town it is registered to and give them the information. If it has a county registration tag you can call the county clerk. List of county clerks in the state of Wisconsin.
Check for a microchip, you can bring them to any local vet or shelter. (Jeff's Way Home also has a scanner)
a) If the microchip is a dead end (meaning there is no contact information or it isn't up to date) file with Microchip Hunters, it is a free volunteer service.
Check Pawboost, Lost Dogs of State/Pet FBI, Petco Love Lost, Pet Amber Alert, Lost My Doggie, Center For Lost Pets, Pet Key, and Paw Maw for a Lost Dog report.
Create a Found Dog report through Pawboost, Pet FBI/Lost Dogs of State, Petco Love Lost, Pet Amber Alert, Lost My Doggie, Center For Lost Pets, Pet Key, and Paw Maw. (Make sure to select Found)
Post to your county's Lost Pet/Dog Facebook page.
Contact other Lost Dog Search & Rescues to see if you ended up with a dog they are looking for.
Call area animal shelters, area vets, and area non emergency police departments.
I've Spotted A Dog
This dog is still at large and roaming the area.
*DO NOT CONTINUE TO FOLLOW OR CHASE THIS DOG, REPORT A SIGHTING & LEAVE IT BE!*
If you know it's lost try and remember where you saw a road sign or flyer. Go there and call the number ASAP give them the closest crossroad and direction the dog was headed.
If you don't know where to look for a number to call, check out Pawboost and Lost Dogs of Wisconsin for a Lost Dog report. If you find a report that matches the dog you saw call ASAP! Time is important!
You can make a sighting report through Lost Dogs of Wisconsin/Pet FBI.
Post to your county's Lost Pet/Dog Facebook page.
Contact other Lost Dog Search & Rescues to see if you saw a dog they are looking for.
Call area animal shelters, area vets, and area non emergency police departments to let them know you've spotted a loose dog.
Who do You Call?
If you need to call someone about a dog you saw or a dog you found, you can click below to get lists of county clerks, non-emergency PD numbers, and humane societies.
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