I found a stray dog
Most stray dogs are lost, scared, and looking for their family. In the unlikely event the stray dog appears aggressive, act like a “tree” by standing still and quiet (do not run or yell), hands up to your chin and look away from the dog. If you fall to the ground, act like a “rock” by curling up on the ground, with your hands covering your neck and arms covering your face. This is the same process we teach children in our humane education program.
Urgent Alert About Craigslist
Do not post a lost dog on Craigslist without requiring proof of ownership (vet bills, photos, and dog license). Dogfighters use Craigslist to acquire dogs to train for fighting, or as “bait” for existing fighting dogs.
- Look for a collar and tags to identify him/her. If there are no tags, contact your local vet or shelter to scan for a microchip.
- Inform local animal shelters and Animal Control that you have found a dog. In the City of Syracuse, call Dog Control at 315-473-6608 and visit: www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/dogControl.html
- Check http://www.9wsyr.com/content/lostpets/default.aspx to see if anyone posted a lost dog.
- Take a photo and post it online to Facebook and other social media sites.
- Submit a “Found Pet Form” on the Channel 9 lost and found pet website (see #3 above) and post the information to the “Missing Pets” section on the SPCA website – http://www.cnyspca.org/missing_pets.aspx.
- Create flyers including picture of dog, as well as a brief description including gender and personality, as well as a phone number for you to be reached at. Hang the flyer near where the dog was found and forward the flyer to local veterinarian’s offices and animal shelters.
- Walk around and ask neighbors if they have seen the dog before.
- Keep the dog safe. Provide a leash to walk the dog with, a secure and safe outdoor set-up with shelter if you cannot keep the dog inside, along with food and water. A crate can be a safe way to keep the dog secure when you are not there to supervise.
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- If no one reclaims the dog after five days, try to find a new permanent home for the dog by emailing friends and family as well as posting to social media pages. Click here for some great tips on promoting an adoptable dog!
- If you are unable to keep the dog temporarily as a foster parent and help pay for expenses, visit our list of local rescues and shelters and contact them to see if they can take the dog.
- Contact the local Animal Control. In Syracuse, call Dog Control at 315-473-6608 and visit: http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/dogControl.html
I suspect or know about dogfighting. 100% Confidential!
There is no risk to you for reporting dogfighting. You can choose to remain anonymous and even receive reward funds. There IS a risk to remaining silent: most dogs involved in dogfighting rings die after being used as bait, are killed after losing a fight or during the fight. Please call ALL numbers below, in order (numbers 4 and 5 are tip lines – call these last).
- First, call 911 if there is immediate risk to an animal. Insist that a police officer respond.
- In the City of Syracuse, call Syracuse Police Officer Becky Thompson 315-442-5336.
- Outside Syracuse, call 911 and call the SPCA at 315-454-4479.
- Call the NYS Attorney General’s Dogfighting Tip Line 1-866-697-3444 and press 4.
- Call the Humane Society of the United States at 1-877-847-4787. Your identity will be protected and they will reward up to $5,000 if a dogfighter is convicted.
- Contact us only after doing steps 1-5, we can assist with advocacy but cannot go immediately to the dog’s aid.
I need to find a new home for my dog
We understand, owning a dog can be challenging at times. However, your situation may have a low or no-cost solution. Please click on the reason you are looking to rehome your animal for assistance. Local shelters are overcrowded at this time, and should be viewed as a last resort.
URGENT ALERT ABOUT CRAIGSLIST: Do not post a “free to a good home” ad on Craigslist! Dogfighters look for these ads to acquire dogs to be used for fighting or bait dogs (to train the dogs to attack and kill). Instead, offer a re-homing fee and ask for references from any potential adopter.
- If you’ve fallen on hard times, there’s help available through 2 dog food pantries in the Syracuse area.
- If you need food for your dog, contact the CNY SPCA in Syracuse at 315-454-4479 or visit http://www.cnyspca.org/our_services.htm. You may also contact the Hardeko Helping Paws Pantry (Sponsored by Dog Daze Healthy Pet Shop) in North Syracuse by calling 315-410-1278 or visit
- If you are unable to secure food for your animal, please refer to our list of shelters and rescues and surrender your pet. We know it will be difficult for you, but not providing food is a form of animal abuse.
- Just like people, animals require medical care to stay healthy and happy. If you meet certain income and residency requirements, the Shamrock Animal Fund can help. Visit http://www.shamrockanimalfund.com/ for the next FREE community pet health clinic date.
- If you are unable to treat your pet’s medical condition, please refer to our list of shelters and rescues and surrender your pet. We know it will be difficult for you, but not providing basic medial care is a form of animal abuse.
We’re thrilled you’re considering spay/neuter for your pet! It’s a BIG myth that spay/neuter changes your pet’s personality. The opposite is true: your pet will be happier and healthier. Plus, fixing your pet will help fix the situation of shelter overcrowding. Sadly, over 3.4 million animals are killed in American shelters due to overcrowding. Click here to learn where to get low or no cost spay/neuter services >
Your dog is part of your family – and it’s important to keep your family together! We’ve compiled a list of pet-friendly CNY properties.
Click here to learn more >
