Found a stray dog – what to do?
What to do now
- Stay calm, crouch down, turn sideways to the dog – do not walk straight at it and do not run after it.
- If it lets you touch it: secure it with a lead, belt or scarf. Near a road, think of your own safety first.
- Look for a collar, tag or tattoo. Offer water.
- Have the microchip read: any veterinary practice or animal shelter can do this, usually free of charge.
- Report the find – to the municipality (Ordnungsamt, lost property office) or the police, and also to Tasso or Findefix (German pet registries) and to us.
Please do not
- Do not simply keep the dog. A found animal must be reported; failing to do so can be a criminal offence.
- Do not crowd a frightened dog or try to hold it – it will flee onto the road.
- Do not let it meet other dogs while you know nothing about it.
Who helps
Found animals are the responsibility of the municipality where you found the dog. It places the dog in the responsible animal shelter. If it cannot be secured or is running along a road: police 110.
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
The dog will not let itself be caught.
Do not chase it. Note the location and direction, take a photo, call the police or us. A dog in flight mode is more likely to approach one calm person with food than three people calling.
Can I keep it with me until it is sorted out?
Agree this with the municipality. Many are glad of it – the find must still be reported so the owners can find their dog.
Related
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Wild animal foundFound a wild animal – who helps?
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
- Hedgehog foundFound a hedgehog – what to do?
- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
- Cat turned upA cat has turned up or been found – what to do?
- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Collision with wildlifeCollision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Report animal crueltyReporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Injured pigeonFound an injured pigeon – what to do?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
- Abandoned animal foundFound an abandoned animal – what to do?
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