Unfortunately, abandonment in our country is something that happens every day. It is easy to meet a abandoned dogBut not everyone knows how to act in these situations, leaving him helpless. It's important that we understand that We can do something for this dog, and that we shouldn't leave it to die of hunger or be run over by a car.
If you they like animalsYou'll surely feel like you're doing something for them, and that's why you should know What to do if you find an abandoned or lost dogDepending on the situation, it may be more complicated, but the truth is that we shouldn't stand idly by and look the other way.
How can you tell if it's an abandoned dog or a lost dog?
The first thing we need to look at is whether it is a abandoned dog Or one of those dogs that roam free, which are common, especially in rural areas. The attitude is different, since the stray dogs They are usually more frightened and wander aimlessly. They are also often hungrier and more disoriented.
Dogs that simply wander around the area, especially in housing developments or small townsSometimes they belong to a neighbor and are used to moving around on their own, so they may seem trusting, familiar with their surroundings, and return home at certain times. In contrast, a lost or abandoned dog often shows clear signs of anxiety: ears back, looking in all directions, constant panting and erratic movements.
Whether or not they wear a collar isn't necessarily a definitive indicator, because many times they're abandoned with the collar on if it doesn't have an address. However, a lost dog usually wears one. collar, harness or identification tag with a phone, while an abandoned dog often appears with nothing, with dirty fur, minor injuries, or an obvious state of neglect and thinness.
It is also important to remember that, according to animal welfare regulations, it is considered abandoned animal not only those who wander without company, but also those who are tied up or locked up without receiving basic care (water, food, shelter, veterinary care) or are not picked up by their owners at veterinary centers, residences or animal protection centers within the established time limits.
First step: approach the dog safely
The first thing we should do is see if the dog is friendly and comes when we call it. Some are very scared, but with a little trust, we can catch them. An abandoned or lost dog is disoriented, so it may to be easily frightened and run away if you try to approach in a rough or too direct way.
To gain their trust, it is essential avoid sudden movements and use a soft tone of voice. Don't stare directly into his eyes (he might interpret it as a challenge), position yourself to the side, at his eye level if possible, and speak calmly. If you have food available, you can use it to help the dog relax. Instead of trying to lure him to you right away, it's better throw small pieces of food From a distance, you'll see the dog approaching as it gains confidence.
It also helps a lot in these cases to... Bring foodThey're usually very hungry and trust us more if we bring them something to eat. When it's hot, offer them... fresh water This can be key to calming them down and keeping them close. If they are very scared, we may need to be patient and bring them food for several days until they come close enough to be held safely.
When you have him close and the dog is calm, you can try gently petting and holding him. If he's wearing a collar, doesn't seem aggressive, and is easy to handle, you can use a leash, a rope, or hold him directly by the collar. If he's not wearing a collar, you can improvise one. loop strap with a rope or leash, always taking care not to hurt him.
Very importantIf the dog is injured, sick, or shows clear signs of aggression (intense growling, bared teeth, attempts to attack), it is best Don't try to pick it up on your own.In these cases, stay at a safe distance, keep an eye on it, and call the Local Police, Civil Guard or municipal collection service, as they are the competent authorities and have the equipment and training to handle these cases safely.
Second step: check if it has identification (tag or microchip)
Once we have it under control, the next step is to check if we can identify your familyThere are two key elements to achieve this: the collar tag and the microchip.
Many dogs wear a tag on their collar with their name and a phone number. If your dog lets you approach, is calm, and is manageable, check for this tag. If you find a legible number, try calling as soon as possible: sometimes it's just a lost dog whose guardian is desperately searching for him. Some modern badges include a unit’s QR code which, when scanned with a mobile phone, displays the contact details of the person responsible for the animal.
If it doesn't have a license plate or you can't read it, the next step is to check the microchipThe microchip is a small device implanted under the skin that contains basic information about the animal and its owner in an official database. To read it, you need to go to a veterinarian. Pet Center or to the local authorities, who have a reader.
The first thing to do is take him to a vet to check if it has a microchip. Most clinics perform this check quickly and often free of charge. If it does, they will call the registry number to notify the owners that they have found the lost dog. Sometimes, the veterinarian may recognize the dog because it is a regular patient at the clinic.
If you cannot transport the dog (because it is too large, seems dangerous, or you do not have transportation), you can call the nearest veterinary clinic, the local police, the Civil Guard, or the town hall; they will be able to advise you and, in many municipalities, activate the pick up service so that they can handle the transfer and reading of the microchip.
Third step: notify the authorities and collection services
If the dog has a microchip, but the owner does not respond, the number is not up to date, or explicitly states that he doesn't want to take responsibility If the animal is not found, the authorities will consider it a case of abandonment, with the corresponding legal consequences. If the phone is not working or contact cannot be made, the situation may also result in a possible abandonment offense, although the procedure is more complex.
If a dog doesn't have a microchip, it doesn't necessarily mean it's abandoned, but it does make it much harder to find its family. In this situation, in addition to going to the vet, it's essential to... contact the City Hall from the municipality where the dog was found, with the Local Police or Civil Guard. According to animal protection and welfare regulations, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to... collection of lost and abandoned animals and their accommodation in an animal protection center, with emergency services and veterinary care 24 hours a day.
If the owner is looking for their dog, it's very likely they've already notified... local authorities, animal protection centers or veterinary clinicsTherefore, your report could be the key to reuniting them. Both veterinarians and the police can consult databases, notify the collection service contracted by the City Council, and register the incident.
If the City Council does not offer a quick solution or the service is overwhelmed, insist politely but firmly, reminding them that there is a legal obligation to manage the collection and protection of these animals. Whenever possible, this management is carried out in collaboration with animal protection organizationswhich are usually overloaded, but can help with publicity of the case and advice.
Animal shelters, kennels, and options to help your dog
In this case, you should know if they act in the area municipal animal shelters or dog poundsIn these latter cases, according to the regulations and protocols of each center, animals can be euthanized after a certain period of time if they are not claimed and no adopter is found. Conversely, the Animal protectors They are non-profit associations dedicated to the protection and care of animals and, in general, do not practice slaughter except for health reasons to avoid suffering.
In many municipalities, the management of the collection of abandoned animals is carried out through animal health centers or kennels They are run by the public administration, but some shelters have a municipal concession for this service. This means that the dog could end up in a traditional pound or a shelter depending on how the service is organized in your area.
If the dog does not have a microchip and no one claims it, you have several alternatives to help it:
- Temporarily keep the dog in your home or a safe space while you look for its family or a new, stable home. During this time, it's important to provide it with food, water, a place to rest, and, if the veterinarian deems it possible, basic veterinary care.
- Find a temporary foster home through animal shelters, local groups or social networks that can take care of the animal while the owner or an adopter is found.
- Collaborate with local animal shelters to spread the word about their case. Many can't physically take in more animals due to lack of space, but they can help you with social media posts, advice, and outreach.
- Prepare posters with a clear photo of the dog, the area where it was found and a contact phone number, and place them in veterinary clinics, pet stores, local businesses and other busy places in the town and nearby municipalities.
- Post ads on the internet on websites specializing in lost animals, social media groups, and neighborhood platforms, always indicating that the dog is safe and will not be handed over without guarantees.
- Consider adoptionIf your personal and financial situation allows it, you may decide to adopt. If you do decide to adopt, you must follow the legal procedure through the authorities or an animal protection organization, ensuring that the legal timeframe is respected so that the original family can reclaim the dog if it was indeed a lost pet.
Social media is an invaluable tool in these situations. Sharing a good photo of the dog, the location where it was found, and a contact number, along with a request to share the information, can reach hundreds or thousands of people in just a few hours, increasing the chances of finding its family or a responsible adopter. In many cases, with proper dissemination, the dog will be found. There is even a shelter. in a few hours.
Safety, first aid and preparedness to help
If the dog appears injured, dehydrated, or very weak, try do not move it abruptlyYou can offer him water little by little and some food, but without forcing him. In case of visible wounds, intense pain, or difficulty moving, the wisest course of action is to take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible or notify the authorities so they can arrange for safe transport.
When handling an unfamiliar dog, especially if it is scared or in pain, always do so with great care. cautionEven a normally docile dog can bite out of fear or self-defense if it feels pain. Avoid putting your face near its muzzle, don't circle or corner it, and observe its body language: growling, stiffness, a fixed gaze, and a very tense tail are warning signs.
A good idea for people who often encounter animals or spend a lot of time on the road or in rural areas is to prepare a small “rescue backpack” in the car or at home. This backpack can include a collapsible water and food bowl, a water bottle, some wet food, a long leash, a strong rope to improvise a loop, a couple of repurposed harnesses of different sizes, and, if possible, a collapsible carrier for small animals.
These elements will allow you to act more effectively when you encounter an abandoned or lost animal, increasing the chances that you can put it safely without risks for him and for you. Remember that, although the situation may be distressing, your calm and prudence are essential for everything to turn out well.
Acting correctly when we find an abandoned or lost dog makes a huge difference in its life. By following these steps, collaborating with veterinarians, authorities, and animal shelters, and using the resources available to you for spreading the word, you'll be giving that animal a second chance and helping to reduce the serious problem of abandonment.