Having worked as an animal shelter volunteer for over a decade, the cold months and bad weather always made me dislike this time of year. Storms with rain and wind meant yard fences breaking or falling over, and an increase in lost dogs arriving at the shelter. It never failed to overwhelm an already overwhelmed system.

If you come into contact with a lost dog, stay calm and follow these steps to safely secure the dog and prevent further danger.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Panicking can cause the dog to panic or run farther.

• Quickly note the dog's last known direction and any hazards nearby (traffic, other animals, open spaces).

2. Don't Chase the Dog Most loose dogs will run if you chase them. Instead:

• Crouch down or kneel to appear less threatening.

• Call the dog in a cheerful, calm voice.

• Use familiar cues like "treat," "walk," "car ride," or the dog's name if you know it.

3. Use Positive Lures

• Rattle a treat bag or open a container of food and see if the dog recognizes the sound.

• Show a leash—some dogs will come to investigate.

• Open your car door—many dogs love car rides and will jump in.

4. Move Slowly and Strategically

• Walk away from the dog rather than toward it; sometimes dogs may follow.

• Avoid making direct eye contact—this can feel threatening.

• If the dog comes close, gently slip a leash over its head without sudden movements.

5. Get Help Immediately

• Ask neighbors or bystanders to block exits or areas the dog might reach.

• If at home, tell others to secure gates and doors to prevent further escape.

• For a lost dog: alert local shelters, veterinarians and nearby residents.

6. Use Tools if Available

• Favorite toy, squeaker, or ball.

• High-value treats like cheese or chicken.

• Long line (if the dog is close but skittish).

7. Keep Safety First

• Never run into traffic or unsafe areas to chase the dog.

• Be cautious with unfamiliar loose dogs—they may be frightened or defensive.

8. After the Dog Is Caught

• Check for injuries or stress.

• Offer water and calm praise.

• Inspect fences, gates, and doors to find out how the escape happened.

• Fix the issue and consider prevention tools like:

o Microchipping

o ID tags

o GPS collars

o Self-closing gates

9. If the Dog Cannot Be Found

• Contact local animal shelters.

• Post on community platforms (Nextdoor, Pawboost, Facebook groups, etc.).

• Notify microchip companies to mark the dog as missing.