How to Deal With a Stray Dog

Co-authored by Sheri Williams

Last Updated: May 12, 2021 References Approved

At some point, you've probably seen stray dogs. There aren't firm figures on the number of stray dogs in the United States, but they are a big problem. Stray dogs may forage for food, stake out territory, breed, and have unwanted litters with communicable diseases. Many dogs become homeless when they are separated from their owners, get lost, or escape. Life for a dog on the street is difficult, especially if they're used to being cared for. If you see a stray dog, learn how to safely deal with the dog so that you're both protected.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Caring For a Stray Dog Immediately

1
Examine the urgency of the situation. Seeing an unattended dog outside may instinctively move you to help, but you want to make sure that you are not making the situation worse. For instance, if you see a dog weaving through traffic, chasing after the dog could put you, other pedestrians, and motorists in danger. Wait until the dog is in a safe place before providing assistance.
- If the dog is already in a safe place do not scare the dog. In this situation it is best to not approach the dog. Stray animals can act unpredictably, so be cautious.^{[1]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Humane Society of the United States
  National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
  Go to source}
2
Determine ownership. Before you whisk a dog a way to safety, make sure that the dog is actually alone and not simply separated momentarily from his owner. You can save yourself a lot of time, hassle and potential criminal charges by making sure the dog is actually lost. Simply wait to see if the owner comes to claim the dog.^{[2]
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Research source}
- If the dog has a leash and collar on, you can try to safely grab the leash. This will keep the dog in one place while you wait for an owner to hopefully appear.
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3
Watch out for aggressive dogs. Dogs on the street will fall into one of two categories: a dog that has been separated from its owner or a stray dog without a home or loving family. There are some safety concerns with both types of dogs. Owned dog’s separated from their owners may be fearful or aggressive when approached by unknown people, including you. The dog may not be used to “street life” and may bite, scratch or run away in fear when you approach it.
- Or, you may be dealing with an aggressive dog that broke loose from his owner’s home or yard looking for a fight.
4
Check for obvious signs of disease. Since you're unsure what diseases the dog may be carrying, look for aggression, snapping, and biting at everyone and everything. This could indicate that the dog is rabid. If so, he'll also refuse water and salivate a lot. Or, another type of rabies will make the dog look very sick, prevent it from walking, but it will still salivate a lot. If you see any signs like this in a stray dog, call the police and animal control.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} The dog may also be carrying any of the following diseases:^{[4]
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Research source}
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Ticks, fleas, mange
- Ringworm and other fungal diseases
- Heartworms
- Kennel cough
- Intestinal parasites: roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms
5
Protect yourself at all times. Before finding a home for a stray dog, you'll need to catch and restrain him. This can be a little dangerous since dogs can sometimes be defensive or even hostile because of prior abuse, neglect, sickness, or his general temperament. You can approach the dog with a barrier, like a tennis racket or skateboard. This can keep the dog from biting you while you get closer to it. If you fear the dog at any time or think the situation is beyond your capabilities, retreat to a safe place and call animal control or the non-emergency police line for help.
- Remember that a barrier object is not meant to be a weapon for you to swing at the dog in an attempt to strike them. It is just a barrier for your own protection.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Getting Help For a Stray Dog

1
Build rapport. If the dog seems open to being approached (he sits or stands without raised fur or bared teeth, and doesn't growl or snap at you), start to gain his trust. Offer something like a treat that builds trust and lets the dog know you have good intentions. Slowly approach him and offer the back of your hand with your palm down for the dog to sniff. Take your time and pause if he becomes frightened or hostile.
- Pay attention to what triggers an emotional response from the dog and be sensitive. Pause and allow the dog to get more comfortable before starting to approach the dog again.
- Never reach over the dog's head or body. The dog will see this as a threat and either run away or may bite you before retreating.
2
Restrain the dog. Once you've gained the dog's trust and you can get close to him, restrain him. Quickly and quietly slip a leash or rope around his neck. This is important to control the dog and prevent him from running away.
- If the dog twists and tries to get away after you've gotten a leash on him, try to verbally reassure him. For example, say, "Calm down, boy," in a gentle, but firm voice.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Humane Society of the United States
  National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
  Go to source}
3
Find the dog's owners. If you take the dog to any veterinary clinic or the Humane Society, they can check for a microchip that locates the owners. If the dog has an owner, the owner will be notified and your job is done.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Sheri Williams
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 5 June 2020.} If there's no microchip, you could still try to find the owners by doing any of the following:
- Post “found dog” flyers around the neighborhood where you found the dog. If the dog has a home, it is likely that he didn’t wander off too far from it.
- Notify local veterinary clinics, animal shelters and animal control/police departments that you found a dog. Give a thorough description of the dog—color, gender, breed, weight, and any other distinguishing characteristics.
- Call the local radio station to see if a lost dog has been reported or to see if they will mention it on the air. This is a good option in small communities.
- Post found dog ads on-line and with local community newspapers.
4
Take the dog to the vet. If you decide to bring the dog to your home, have him checked out at the veterinary clinic first. The dog will be examined for fleas and internal parasites. This will keep you from bringing these pests into your home or exposing them to your other pets.^{[7]
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- Talk with your family before bringing home a stray dog to make sure everyone agrees with the decision. You should also make sure your landlord is fine with another dog, if you rent.
5
Foster your rescue. If a home has yet to be located for the dog, you might want to consider adopting it temporarily or perhaps permanently. If you take the dog to the Humane Society, they may not be able to take the dog in right away. But, if you are able to hold on to the dog for a quarantine period of up to two weeks, they may then take the dog and give it all of the necessary tests and vaccines.
- Be prepared to pay for medical expenses and other costs. Some shelters may offer discounts for caring for strays.^{[8]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do you get a stray dog to trust you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Less is more when it comes to winning a stray dog's trust. Crouch down to make yourself smaller and place yourself sideways. Have food in a crinkly bag and drop pieces on the floor without making eye contact. You may wish to talk quietly to yourself to show you are no threat, but try to ignore the dog so they can build their confidence.
Question

What happens if a street dog bites?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Immediately clean the wound with copious amounts of warm soapy water. Then see a physician. As well as the risk of bacterial infection, the dog has an unknown rabies status so you will need appropriate preventative treatment.

Warnings

Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. Make sure you are ready to take on the responsibility of adding one to your family.

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Be aware that some canine diseases can be spread to humans, like rabies, ticks, fleas, or internal parasites. Because of this, you should be cautious when approaching a strange dog.

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You should not drive with an unrestrained stray in your vehicle. If he is nervous, he can behave erratically and cause disturbances while you drive. Use a crate or restrain him with a leash well away from the driver.

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