What to Do When You Find a Stray Dog

Does the dog have a collar with identification tags? If there is a tag present and it has the owner’s contact information, call the owner.
If the tag has the name of a vet clinic, it is a rabies tag. Call the vet clinic and give them the information on the tag (there should be a year and a tag number).

Have you checked with neighbors to see if anyone knows who it belongs to? Think radius, not just up and down your street. If possible, walk the dog around the neighborhood to see if anyone recognizes it. If the weather is appropriate, provide a dish of water and shade if the temperature is high. Keep the dog in your front yard as its owner may be looking for it.

Does the dog appear sick or injured? If so, call the shelter right away (715-839-4747 ext 1021) during normal business hours (Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 p.m.) and the non-emergency line (715) 839-4972 if calling after hours. If you are calling to report abuse or neglect, call the shelter and leave a message for the Humane Officer to contact you.

Take a few pictures – leave its collar on (if it has one), and do not alter the animal’s appearance by bathing or grooming it.

Post pictures on social media sites such as Facebook “Lost Pets in Eau Claire and Surrounding Areas”, Lost Dogs of WI, neighborhood Facebook pages, Next Door and Craigslist. Search these sites as well, in case someone posted their missing dog.

Fill out the Lost/Found form. If you don’t have internet access, please call ECCHA at (715) 839-4747 ext 1021. You may have to leave a message. Please include the exact location of where the dog was found, the description of the dog, and your contact information. Your message will be returned as soon as the shelter is open (Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm).

Take the dog to a vet clinic or humane association to be scanned for a microchip.

If you are unable to hold onto the dog, please call the shelter during normal business hours (Monday – Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm).

Interested in fostering the dog that you found? Fabulous! Please contact ECCHA (715) 839-4747 ext 1021. You will be put in touch with our Foster Care supervisor!

Most dogs are typically found within a mile of their home. Other things you can do to try to find the owner:
Go door to door checking with neighbors, again thinking radius, not just up and down the street.
Post flyers in the area you found the dog.