Thank You for Looking Out for Our Community's Dogs
If you're reading this, chances are you've stopped to help a dog that needed someone.
Thank you.
Taking the time to make sure a dog is safe, out of traffic, and cared for while their family is searched for is one of the kindest things you can do.
While Misfit Ranch is not licensed to take in stray dogs found by members of the public, we're always happy to help guide you through the process of safely caring for a found dog while working to reunite them with their family.
In many cases...
The dog's family is looking just as desperately for them as you are.
Step 1: Have the Dog Scanned for a Microchip
Before posting online, have the dog scanned for a microchip.
Most veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and many pet stores such as Petco can scan for a chip free of charge.
We recommend calling ahead to confirm they have a scanner available before making the trip.
If a registered microchip is found, the clinic can help contact the owner immediately.
Sometimes a reunion happens within minutes.
Step 2: Document Everything
If no microchip is found, take a few minutes to document the dog's information.
Take clear photos from several different angles.
Write down details such as:
• Gender
• Spay/neuter status
• Breed (or best guess)
• Coat color and markings
• Collar or tags
• Any unique characteristics or behaviors
The more information you have, the easier it will be to confirm ownership later.
Step 3: Start Close to Where They Were Found
If the dog was found in or near a neighborhood, there's a good chance they haven't traveled very far.
Try:
• Knocking on nearby doors
• Talking with neighbors
• Searching for the neighborhood's Facebook page or community group
Many escape artists have gotten out before, and neighbors often know exactly where they live.
Sometimes all it takes is talking to the right person.
Step 4: Post the Dog Online
If no owner has been located, begin posting the dog online as soon as possible.
Include:
• Clear photos
• Where the dog was found
• Date and approximate time
• General description
• Gender
• Whether they are wearing a collar
• Any unique markings
The more people who see the post, the greater the chance the family will find it.
Here are some places to post (there are more)-
• PawBoost
• NextDoor
• Ring
• Lost and Found Dogs of Las Vegas Valley
• Lost and Found Dogs of Las Vegas and Henderson
• Las Vegas PawBoost Community for Lost and Found Pets
• Lost and Found Pets Las Vegas
• Lost and Found Dogs Las Vegas
Step 5: Give the Family Time
Reuniting a lost dog doesn't always happen overnight.
Sometimes families are traveling.
Sometimes a pet sitter accidentally leaves a gate open.
Sometimes owners don't even realize their dog is missing for several hours.
We've personally reunited a dog with their family after more than three weeks.
Don't lose hope.
While you're waiting, try to make the dog as comfortable as possible.
If you have pets of your own and introductions aren't appropriate, a crate-and-rotate routine is a safe and effective way to keep everyone comfortable until the owner is found.
If you'd like help establishing a crate-and-rotate routine, we'd be happy to help.
Step 6: If No Owner Is Found
After you've exhausted every reasonable effort to locate the family and several weeks have passed...
You may discover that the dog has become part of your own family.
If you're considering keeping them, congratulations!
We're happy to provide recommendations for veterinary care, nutrition, training, behavior, and other resources to help you get started.
Sometimes the family a dog was searching for...
Turns out to be yours.
If You Can't Keep the Dog
If you've exhausted every effort to locate the owner but aren't able to permanently keep the dog, we hope you'll consider continuing to care for them while searching for the right forever family.
Finding the right home often takes time—even for experienced rescues.
Continue posting in community groups, sharing the dog's story, and letting people know they're looking for a permanent home. Just like the groups we shared for lost and found dogs, there are groups for rehoming as well.
While you search, continue helping the dog feel safe and comfortable.
If you have other pets, don't forget that crate-and-rotate routines can make temporary housing successful for many families.
If You Absolutely Cannot Continue Housing the Dog
We understand that every situation is different, and there may be circumstances we aren't aware of that make continued housing impossible.
If you've exhausted every option and cannot safely keep the dog while searching for their family or a new home, you can schedule a Found Dog Appointment with The Animal Foundation.
Email: lostandfound@animalfoundation.com
Phone: (702) 955-5932
Appointments help ensure the dog receives appropriate care while allowing shelter staff to continue working toward reunification with their owner whenever possible.
One Last Thought
Every dog deserves someone willing to stop and help.
Today...
That someone was you.
Whether your efforts reunite a family, help a dog find a new home, or simply keep them safe while the search continues, you've already made a difference.
Thank you for looking out for the dogs in our community.