I found a dog. Now what?
Unfortunately, many states including North Carolina have an uncontrolled stray population, leading many dogs to roam freely without shelter, food, vetting and often having multiple litters of unwanted pets. If you find a dog and make the personal choice to pick up that dog, these are the recommended steps we suggest:
Take the dog to a vet or shelter to check to see if that dog has a microchip so possibly he/she can be reunited with their family. You will also need to adhere to the 72 hour stray hold rule, please check your local shelter for that information
If there is no microchip, you have to decide what your next step is. If you choose to foster, please understand that is not a quick process of rehoming a dog. You have to be dedicated to seeing through until the end. Many rescues suffer with space, so your personal connections and efforts could be the only option. There is a mandatory stray hold, please check with your local animal for more details.
If you are not in the position to take care of the dog, you can reach out to local rescues to see if there is an open spot, but there are never guarantees. The best thing is to email reputable animal welfare groups all the vetting, behavior and photos of the dog(s) in need that the rescue has the information needed to evaluate.
It could be that there is only one option for your situation, and that is Animal Control.
What do I do if I see an animal being neglected or abused?
Call Animal Control and report it. Make sure you have evidence to back up your case.
You can make as many reports as necessary for Animal Control to take notice.
I have a dog I can no longer take care of, what do I do?
Reach out to all family and friends to see if someone can assist. Keeping the dog out of the shelter should be the first priority.
Reach out to local rescues to see if there is an open spot, but there are never guarantees. The best thing is to email reputable animal welfare groups all the vetting, behavior and photos of the dog(s) in need that the rescue has the information needed to evaluate.
Animal Control should be the last resort, as many shelters are constantly at max capacity and the dog has a good chance of being euthanized.
Are you unsatisfied with these options? We are too!
Be the change in your community, start speaking out about the lack of punishment towards animal abusers and demand from your politicians and community that animal welfare be a priority topic. Violence and abuse towards animals should not be tolerated. Help us, help them, and be an animal advocate!
