It can be heartbreaking to find a lost dog wandering the streets alone. They often appear scared, tired, or confused — and there’s a good chance someone is desperately searching for them. If you’ve just found a lost dog in your neighborhood, don’t panic. With a few thoughtful and compassionate steps, you can help reunite them with their family — or even help them find a loving new home.

Here’s exactly what you should do if you find a lost dog, step by step.

🐾 Step 1: Observe from a Safe Distance

Your heart may want to run up and help immediately, but safety comes first — for both you and the dog.

• Look for signs of distress or injury.
• Is the dog wearing a collar or tags?
• Are they limping or scared? Approaching too quickly can scare them off or cause aggressive behavior.

Pro tip: Speak in a calm, friendly voice. Crouch down to seem less intimidating. Avoid sudden movements.

📸 Step 2: Take a Photo and Note the Location

Before you even try to approach the dog, snap a quick photo and note exactly where you saw them. This will be crucial if you need to:

• Post on local lost & found groups
• File a report on apps like Pawrpose
• Contact shelters or animal control
  

Photos and details increase the chance of matching the dog with a missing pet report.

🐕 Step 3: Secure the Dog (If It’s Safe)

If the dog seems friendly, you can try gently approaching them:

• Offer treats or food to gain trust
• Use a leash or slip lead if you have one
• Lead them to a secure, quiet area — like a fenced yard or garage
  

Important: If the dog seems aggressive or fearful, do not force interaction. Instead, contact local animal control or a rescue group for help.

🔎 Step 4: Check for ID or Microchip

If the dog has a collar with tags:

• Call the number listed or check the city registration tag
• Some tags include vet info — they may be able to help track the owner
  

No tags? Visit a local vet or shelter to scan for a microchip — it’s quick, painless, and often free.

📲 Step 5: Report the Dog Using the Pawrpose App

This is where you become a hero in the digital age.

📍 Use Pawrpose to:

• Report a stray or lost dog in your area
• Pin their exact location
• Upload photos and notes
• Alert nearby shelters and other users

It takes just a minute — and it could change a life.

💡 The more reports in our system, the faster animals get reunited with their families — or placed safely in care.

📢 Step 6: Spread the Word Locally

Help the dog’s story get seen. Here’s how:

• Post in local Facebook groups (especially pet-related ones)
• Use neighborhood apps like Nextdoor or Ring
• Put up paper flyers near where the dog was found
• Alert nearby shelters, rescues, and vet clinics
  

Include the photo, location, and your contact info (or use a Google Voice number if privacy is a concern).

🏡 Step 7: Temporarily Foster (Optional but Amazing)

If no one claims the dog right away and you’re able to, consider fostering for a few days. This keeps them safe and out of overcrowded shelters while their owner (hopefully) gets in touch.

Make sure to:

• Keep them in a quiet, secure area
• Provide fresh water, food, and comfort
• Minimize contact with your own pets (until checked by a vet)
  

🚨 Step 8: If the Owner Doesn’t Show Up…

After 3–7 days (depending on your local laws), the dog may be legally considered unclaimed. At that point, you can:

• Reach out to a local animal rescue for rehoming options
• Begin a safe adoption process yourself
• Continue fostering and promoting them through platforms like Pawrpose, Petfinder, or Instagram
  

Every life matters — and you just became their voice.

💛 Final Thoughts: Kindness Creates Ripples

Helping a lost dog might seem like a small act, but it can have a huge impact — on the animal, their owner, and the people who see your compassion. Whether you reunite them with a grateful family or guide them toward a second chance, your kindness matters.

And remember, you’re never alone in this. Tools like the Pawrpose app make it easier than ever to do good — and build a more compassionate world for animals.

🐾Download the Pawrpose App on iOS or Android and be ready to help when it matters most.