Need Help With a Found Dog?
Often, the owner of the dog can be found nearby. Also, many pets in McLennan County are microchipped - leading to quick reunions that help keep dogs out of the overfull shelter. Below are some easy steps to take when you have found a dog.
The vast majority of found dogs are within 1 mile of their home. So, knocking on doors in the immediate area can be your best chance at a reunion!
Tip: Even if the dog seems in less than ideal condition when found, it may have been missing for an extended period of time and have a home who cares about it very much. Avoid making assumptions. Reunite.
1. Check for ID or Rabies Tag
If the dog seems friendly, gently check them for a collar and ID tags. Try to contact the number on the tag. If the pet is only wearing a rabies vaccination tag, call, text, or email the veterinary clinic listed on the rabies tag, give them the tag number. They will be able to locate the owner’s information.
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2. Have the Pet Scanned for a Microchip
If the pet can be safely transported, take them to the nearest vet clinic, rescue, shelter or Waco Fire Department to have them scanned for a microchip. After hours or on weekends, Emergency Clinics can scan pets. This takes only a few minutes, is FREE, and will tell you who the owner is. Central Texas Lost & Found Pets and Heart of Texas Lost Found Pets also have volunteer microchip scanners throughout McLennan County who can meet you to scan the pet for a microchip.
3. Share Photos of The Pet Online
Post a photo of the animal and description or cross streets where found. Review the lost pets listed at each of the following online sites to see if someone has reported a lost dog who matches the one you have found. Use the following online locations to try to find the owner:
Central Texas Lost & Found Pets
Heart of Texas Lost Found Pets
Waco.Craigslist.org (under the ‘lost and found’ section & under the ‘Pets’ section).
4. Ask the Neighbors
Some people are not active on social media/online. If you are safely able, knock on doors in the area where the pet was found to see if their home can be located. You should consider walking the dog in the area where found and ask if anyone recognizes them. You can post photos of the dog at most all local vet clinics and at groomers and you SHOULD post photos of the dog with your contact information in the area where the dog was found.
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5. Place Found Pet Flyers in the Area Where Found
Flyers in the area where a pet is found continues to be one of the primary avenues for getting pets back home safe.
It is suggested you make large, neon posters and hang them within at least a 2-mile radius of where the pet was found. Keep information on posters basic and clear including: a) photo of pet/description, and b) clear contact information (phone number, email) should someone recognize the pet.​
​Remember: Try to safely secure the pet until the owner is found or try to find someone in the city where the pet was found who is able to hold the pet. Do not relocate found pets out of the cities/counties where they were found as it makes it more difficult for their families to find them. Our local shelter remains at 99% or greater capacity for dogs; which increases euthanasia risk. For every dog that enters the shelter, another dog who currently lives at the shelter is placed at risk of euthanasia.
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