Finding your pets...

Found a Dog? Help Reunite Them with FetchSafe

If you've found a stray or lost dog wandering near you, FetchSafe makes it easy to alert the owner.

Post a found dog alert with a photo
Add location and details
The owner gets notified instantly

Safe in-app messaging means you can coordinate without sharing personal phone numbers.

Report a Found Dog Check Lost Dog Alerts
Kind person who found a lost dog helping it get home
Quick Reunions
Safe Messaging

How to Report a Found Dog

Help get this dog home safely in just a few steps

1

Take a Photo

Upload a clear photo of the dog you found. Include any unique markings.

2

Add Location

Share where you found the dog and where they are now.

3

Alert Goes Out

Dog owners in the area get notified instantly about the found dog.

4

Safe Contact

The owner can message you directly through our secure system.

⚠️ Safety First: What to Do Immediately

Your safety and the dog's safety are the top priorities. Here's what to do right away:

If the Dog Seems Scared or Aggressive

  • Don't approach directly - scared dogs may bite
  • Speak calmly and softly - avoid sudden movements
  • Call animal control if the dog seems dangerous
  • Take photos from a safe distance for the alert

If the Dog Seems Friendly

  • Let them sniff your hand before petting
  • Use a makeshift leash (rope, belt) if needed
  • Secure them safely in your yard or home
  • Offer water - they may be dehydrated

Check for Microchips - Most Important First Step

Microchips dramatically increase the odds of a fast reunion. This should be your first priority:

1
Visit Any Veterinary Clinic

Most vets will scan for microchips completely free - no appointment needed, just walk in

2
Get the Microchip Number

The vet can look up the registration database and contact the owner directly within minutes

3
Still Post on FetchSafe

Even with microchips, community alerts provide backup and help confirm the reunion

Pro Tip: Animal shelters, pet stores, and animal control offices also have microchip scanners and will scan for free.
Veterinarian scanning dog for microchip identification to reunite with owner

Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Finders

Know your rights and responsibilities when helping a found dog

Your Legal Rights

  • ✓ Generally protected by Good Samaritan laws when helping pets
  • ✓ Can legally hold the dog while seeking the owner
  • ✓ May receive reasonable care expenses from owner
  • ✓ Not liable for pre-existing injuries if you act reasonably

Your Responsibilities

  • • Provide basic care - food, water, shelter
  • • Make reasonable efforts to find the owner
  • • Report to authorities if required by local law
  • • Keep detailed records of your care and expenses

Where to Take Found Dogs

  • 🏥 Local animal shelter - required by law in most areas
  • 🏥 Veterinary clinics - free microchip scanning
  • 🚔 Animal control - official lost pet registry
  • 🏪 Police station - can guide you to proper authorities
Important: Laws vary by location. Some areas require found pets to be taken to shelters within 24-48 hours. Check your local requirements.
Person caring for found dog

While You Wait for the Owner

Provide fresh water
Keep the dog in a safe, secure area
Check if the dog has ID tags
Contact a vet if the dog seems injured
Take additional photos if needed
Report This Found Dog Now

Heroes Who Found Dogs

Community members making a difference

A
Alex T.
Good Samaritan

"Found a scared Husky in my backyard. Posted on FetchSafe and the owner contacted me within 30 minutes. So grateful this app exists!"

R
Rebecca S.
Dog Lover

"A little Chihuahua was wandering my street. FetchSafe made it so easy to report. The family was reunited the same day!"

C
Carlos M.
Neighbor

"Found a German Shepherd at the park. The secure messaging feature let me coordinate safely with the owner. Amazing app!"

Frequently Asked Questions for Dog Finders

Everything you need to know about helping found dogs

First, ensure your safety and the dog's safety. Approach slowly and calmly if the dog seems friendly. If scared or aggressive, keep your distance and call animal control. Once secure, check for ID tags and get the dog scanned for a microchip at any vet clinic (free). Then post a found dog alert on FetchSafe to notify the community.

You are protected by Good Samaritan laws in most states when helping found pets. You have the legal right to provide temporary care while seeking the owner. You may be entitled to reasonable care expenses from the owner. Always document your efforts to find the owner and check local laws about reporting requirements.

This varies by location, but most areas require you to make reasonable efforts for 7-14 days before a dog can be considered abandoned. Some require reporting to authorities within 24-48 hours. Keep detailed records of your care and search efforts. Contact local animal control or shelters for guidance on your area's specific laws.

If the dog seems seriously injured or ill, take them to a veterinary emergency clinic immediately. Document the dog's condition with photos and notes. Most vets will provide emergency treatment and help locate the owner. You are generally not liable for pre-existing injuries if you act reasonably to help the dog.

This depends on local laws and how long you've made reasonable efforts to find the owner. Some areas allow "finders keepers" after a specific time period and proper procedures. However, you cannot simply decide to keep a found dog - there are legal processes that must be followed. Contact local authorities for guidance on your area's specific requirements.

Found a Dog? Act Fast!

The owner is probably searching frantically right now. Every minute counts for a safe reunion.

Free to post found dog alerts
Secure messaging with owners
Instant community notifications
Legal protection under Good Samaritan laws
REPORT FOUND DOG NOW

Used by 25,000+ community members • 2,847 successful reunions

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