I found a stray or abandoned dog in the run!

iwellbc | Coalition | Saturday, 08 August 2009

1. Before any other steps, make sure that it is safe to approach the dog. If the dog is aggressive, then it is best to call the Center for Animal Care and Control at the number listed below.
2. Call the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) at 212.442.2076 to find out if anyone has filed a lost dog report that matches the dog you’ve found.
3. Determine if the animal needs immediate medical attention. If so take the dog to a veterinarian. The rescue organizations listed below may be able to help you with veterinary care. Some vets also have inexpensive ’stray exam rates’ for found dogs. At the vet:
* Make sure the found dog is scanned for a microchip in their neck. This microchip would contain owner information. Most veterinarians in Manhattan will be able to do this.
* If the dog is not spayed or neutered, look into low-cost options for having this done. These organizations may be able to help:
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruely to Animals – They neuter found pit bulls for free!
The Humane Society
Mighty Mutts
* Make sure the dog receives his or her shots, and is checked for worms. This is especially important if the dog is going to be exposed to your dog or others.
4. Make sure the dog has short-term accommodations. Take this one step at a time and work on the first night first. Once this is taken care of you can work on foster care.
5. Take a print or (preferably) digital picture of the dog, so that you will be able to post their likeness on various rescue websites. MORNINGSIDE B.A.R.C. can do this for you if you do not have a camera.
6. If you cannot be positive that the dog you found has been abandoned, make up lost dog posters and place them both in the dog run and various locations around your neighborhood. Be careful, these posters cannot be posted elsewhere in the park. The Parks Department will fine you or your organization.
7. Find out as much as possible about the dog that you have found. Any organizations you contact will want to know the dog’s basic temperament, in other words, is it aggressive, dominant, food aggressive, and if it has been neutered.
8. Begin notifying people who can help you find the dog a permanent home:
* Notify Morningside BARC
* Email Manhattan Dog
* Place a classified ad on Petfinder.com
* Place classified ads in papers like the Village Voice and the Manhattan News Day. These ads are free.
9. There are many rescue organizations specific to breeds. Attempt to contact these organizations first, if you can determine the breed or dominant breed of the dog you found. Then contact specific rescue organizations. Names and phone numbers are listed at the bottom of this page. Although these groups will probably not be able to house your stray, they might be able to give you some leads on someone who can help you.
10. If you need help with any part of this process, contact MORNINGSIDE B.A.R.C.

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