If an animal or person is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, scroll below to find your situation, and actions you can take now. Cuse Pit Crew is a volunteer-run organization here to help you with education and advocacy. We are not a rescue group and cannot take in animals.
RIGHT NOW: View, print, or save this Paws2Call Flyer with key phone numbers for emergency dog situations.
I found a stray dog
SAFETY AND STRAY DOGS
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.
FOUND A STRAY?
Step One: Locate the Owner
- 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.
Step Two: Can’t Find the Owner?
- 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.
I cannot afford dog food.
- 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.
I cannot afford veterinary care for my dog.
- 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.
I would like to get my dog fixed (spayed or neutered) but need financial assistance.
My landlord or apartment does not allow pit bulls or dogs in general.
My dog is behaving badly.
I have made up my mind: I need to rehome my dog.
I have a young German Shepard mix who is super sweet and loves everyone except my 10 year old bassador. She needs to be re-honed and we are struggling to find a humane place that we like/trust. Looking for advice. Great dog to a single dog household…..
My niece had 2 pit bulls, ages 6 and 10, due to mental health issues, she needed to give them up yesterday. We can’t keep them but want them to have a good home. Help is needed asap.
I have a dog at my house and the owner went to jail and I work too much I can’t take care of it,he is male, maybe 1 or 2 years old, I do know he has lived with kids and other dogs, he has no food as of now, I am pleading for him to go to a better home.
I’m looking for an apartment that accepts blue nose bullies and need help please I live on the north side and have a slum lord and there is talk the city my condem are house I need help
I am trying to find trusting to find a home for a pitbull that was passed off to my brother (whom has not had long ) and has recently been hospitalized and unable to care for him. I don’t know much about him other than he is not fixed and seems mistrusting of men (so I am assuming that he was most likely abused). I don’t know his age but he isn’t fixed (which I would help in the cost of that). He is beautiful and seems to love women or possibly a calm environment that I think he could thrive in. Looking for someone to give this poor, precious baby a good and loving life that he deserves!
I wanted to first try this before I reach out to dog control because he is stuck in the house unsupervised (so time is of the essence). I have been going to feed him and walk him and desperately trying to find him a home. His name is Buddy and I could provide pictures if needed. I am thinking maybe he is around 2 or 3?
I have this pit bull that my son had she needs to be trained and needs a good home was wondering if you can help
Because of a household separation we need to rehome a 8 yr old pit bull. He is not dog friendly, but loves people and kids. We need to have this happen relatively soon please. Please call my cell (315)246-6307 for any questions. thank you – Annelle Frierson
Due to my declining health an open heart surgery and stage 4 renal failure I can not walk my dog also moving in to a none pet friendly place so in need to rehome asap Babygirl is 9 years old pitbull /whippet mix she like to run goog with kids and some times not so good with dogs she need a break in period with other dogs
Hello I was told that you can help us get my dog home his name is blueberry he wandered off from the house while in the yard we really miss blueberry also blackie misses him we only had him for about 4 months but he’s a part of our family we don’t have the money for his shots and things to bring him home we all miss him very much if you can please find it in your hearts to help us we all will be very grateful please us to bring blueberry back to us blackie hasn’t been her self since he’s been gone oh blackie is our other thank you.
I am needing help to place 4 Pitt bull mix dogs under age 2. My dog had 12 puppies and people keep returning the dogs to me due to being unable to care for them. I live in a small house and have a new born child and can’t care for all these dogs anymore. Every shelter I call won’t take them either due to the breed or have a long wait list. If you could please advise me or assist me I’d be most grateful.
Long story shortened:
In need of temporary fostering for two very loving and wonderful pitbulls
The older one, JD, will be 11 years old on Christmas day. I would like to regain custody of him as soon as I find an apartment that will allow him.
Oscar, I believe is 6 1/2 years old. His birthday is in July. He would need to be fostered for roughly 2 to 5 years.
Any other questions and concerns can be directed to me via this email or my cell phone 315-436-0995.
There is urgency in this matter as my present landlord wants them gone by Friday the day after Thanksgiving.
Please let me know either way if there is anything you can do to help. Thank you very much.
I have a male pit that is very vicious and dangerous… I need help getting him out of the house immediately because it is urgent
I revently had a house fire at our residence. We have a 2 year old pitbull i need help with temporary homing. I am in the process of buying a house and just waiting for things to get rolling and complete. Maybe 2-3 months. TOPS! I can pay for food and whatever vet bills are necessary. I do not want to rehome him. He is my 6 year old soms “brother” and loves his thunder dog like crazy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. He does need to be neutered and some training. I am willing to pay reasonable costs to do so. Please lmk asap if you can help.
Because of a household seperation my new home does not allow dogs and i need help in rehoming my pit asap, new to the area and in need of some help please
Hello, I really need to find this pit bull a home, she was raised with great care and is well trained! She is old now and needs to be with someone that cares for dogs/her better than I can. Someone left her at my apartment days ago.
Looking for assistance for a Pit that is aggressive towards anyone but it’s owner. Very protective. Need to rehome immediately due to unsafe living conditions. Still quite a young dog, approximately 2. Has all papers and vaccination records. Please help.
My daughter and her boyfriend moved out and left behind their three male pit bulls two are sisters one is not they have basically a bunch of these dogs I am unable to care for these animals it’s like pulling teeth with my daughter to get these dogs to take it out to go to the restroom there’s times when his dog sit in cages for over 24 hours I really could use help as I’m disabled and so as my husband and we are unable to take them out to care for them because when they come out there so hyper for being locked up please call me at 315-898-4089 thank you Tiffany Harris
A friend of mine has an exotic bulky. She is close to labor and has no money for her c-section. I am trying yo raise the money but not having a lot of luck. She may need the c-section today. I am at an appointment with him now. I don’t want her put to sleep!
My son can no longer take care of his 2 year old female pitt. She is very gentle and has been spayed and has all shots. Loves going on car rides and walks. She loves to hug and is used to getting her feet cleaned when coming in house- but loves treats after.
I have a little dog so I can’t take her in.
Hello, we are in need of help and are running out of options.
We live in Holley, NY and adopted Brooks (a pit mix) last April to become a member of our family and a companion to our Springer Spaniel, Lincoln. They have been good for each other and playful/loving brothers. In the last two weeks, for reasons we do not understand, the dogs have gotten into two significant dog fights. The last fight I foolishly tried to break up and my hands got in the wrong place at the wrong time and Brooks unintentionally bit me.
We have decided we cannot keep Brooks and that he should be the only pet in the house. We have NEVER seen or experienced aggression towards us from Brooks. He is a kind, goofy, loving, attentive, playful, obedient, happy-go-lucky dog. With the right person and the right environment he WILL BE a great dog! We are grieving that we cannot keep him. Just petting him breaks our heart because he is so happy and trusting when we do so.
Do you know of ANYONE who may consider taking him? The rescue groups I’ve contacted do not have room or will not take him because he now has a bite history (which is not his fault at all). We do not want to surrender him to a shelter for fear he’ll never be adopted or adopted by someone who has bad intentions. Our only other option is to euthanize him; he doesn’t deserve that and the thought of doing so shreds me.
We are running emotionally on fumes having been trying to find a solution for days. We need to make a decision soon or else I am afraid my wife or I are going to have an emotional collapse.
if you can offer any help in any way, it would be much much appreciated. We just want him to have a good life in a good home.
Thank you,
Hey, my name is Leslie I’m working with Noreen from Serendipity,. We have a dog that is about two years old and her owners want to put her down Saturday. If I don’t find somewhere for her to go by Saturday they are going to do it. She is a sweet, ridiculously loving two-year-old who needs a lot of training. Noreen said she will continue to help with training even after they find a permanent home for her. I just wanna stop them from killing her on Saturday. If there is anyone who could help me even for a week to put her somewhere please let me know I’m desperate here a couple of 75 and really didn’t have any business getting this kind of dog that needs to be run but now they’re scared of her. Please help.
Asap 2 pits at my doorstep, one looks like a fighter or beating othe looks like producsecfor pups both scared an were starvig an dehydrations. 3153916940 or 3152148135 must begone by monday morning asap Samantha or steve jones help please
I took in a male Pitt/st Bernard who is 3. He was explained to be a great dog. He has been attacking my dogs and killing the neighbors cats and bites when we try and do his nails. He is aggressive towards anything that doesn’t submit to him immediately including male humans (not women). I cannot keep him in the cage all the time it’s not fair to him however I will not allow him to kill my old female dogs. The neighbors have begun threatening our home and our animals because of him. I’ve tried calling every shelter. And posting him online. No luck.
I have a dog I can’t take care of please help asap William Jackson 315-418-5714 my phone will be off any day now my address is 160 North Edwards please help I don’t have a email cuz I’m 55 and don’t know how to set up one please help that email might not be right
I am at my wits end with a puppy that was dropped off at my house in march. He is mix lab and I believe some sort of bully. He is so destructive, including crates. He is neutered but has recently become very aggressive, towards my two year old golden . He kills squirrels in back yard, tries to hurt my cat. He has lunged at me once. I give him melatonin and cbd oil twice a day. He is horrible to walk on leash as he pulls, but I walk him three times a day and he plays and runs in back yard.
I love him because he cuddles when it’s bedtime , when he finally stops pacing. Which he does all day
2dogs are tied to the neck with no room to get up and walk or lay down. They have been there for WGAT we noticed 10 hours maybe longer. It’s cold, it was raining when we saw the . 911 has been called twice. They are still out there. Please help. 1224 Butternut Street Syracuse
Hello. I have a 9 yr old cane corso who is the absolute sweetest boy with my kids, and our family. We are going away in April, he is not the greatest with other people, and dogs. He is aggressive. I also have two other dogs who are very friendly. We are looking for a kennel to board them. Somewhere he will be safe, and they can accommodate him properly, and I can check in on him. This will be the first time he will ever be at a kennel. He is fixed up to date on all shots, and they have the kennel cough shot as well. Thank you.
There is a pittbull in Elmira that is going to be sold
His owner is in jail. I’m worried because he is the sweetest boy.
My name is Dan Henkle,a family in Fulton Ny reached out to me about a 2 yr old female pitty that they can’t afford to keep anymore.They are on social security and can’t take afford to properly care for the dog.I’ve reached out to a few rescues but have been told there are no fosters available to help this dog.I don’t want to see her get dumped somewhere.
My husband and I found a young pitbull, not neutered male. We brought him home and tried finding his owners with no luck, no microchip. We’ve been calling him Ryley. We were going to take him to the shelter but we are afraid he will be euthanized. He has potential to be a really great dog with the right training but he has turned really quick on my other dogs and last night he almost killed my cat and bit my husband when he tried to get him to release the cat. We aren’t sure what to do with him. Please help.
Tristan
Please let me know if you are still operating. These posts all seem to be a year old. We took Tristan (pit-bull, Staffordshire mix) from a local shelter during a parvovirus emergency and fell in love with the dog. He isn’t great with other dogs but is perfect with us. He loves to walk, doesn’t pull on the leash, is super smart, and obeys us on or off the leash. No issues around the house. A dream dog. So we filled out the adoption papers thinking we’d rehome him before we left to go north. We’re in Rochester, NY but live most of the year in Canada. We haven’t found a rehome and have to get back to our home in July. We are both 76 years old and have family to care for in Canada. We are willing to drive any distance in the US to find a home or a rescue shelter that will take good care of Tristan. But we can’t bring him over the border because New Brunswick bans pitbulls from the province. Tristan is around two years old and has all his shots and is chipped. We need help ASAP. My number is 781-724-3873.
I rescued a pit hound mix as a puppy. He was severely abused as a puppy and has a few issues. He doesn’t get along with other male dogs, he eats alone, and has been fixed. I have two young kids at home about to be 3 and I work full time. He is just too much for me to keep up with so my parents took him in . He doesn’t get along with my parents male dog and because of this my mom want to get rid of him. Her only solution right now is to have him put down and that was the one thing I really didn’t want for him. The dog is so sweet with the people he lives with but it petrified of anyone else. I really don’t want to see him put down please help. He would do so great with the right people and I feel awful for putting him in this situation.
I really like animals, but I need help urgently because I found a lost Stanford pitbull in front of my house and I have called Dog Control many times and they don’t want to help me pick up this poor Princess, that’s what her name is. I need help, please. I have a small baby and it makes me very sad to let her go out on the street alone. I need you to come rescue her so she can find a new home. Please help me.
Hi! I work as an ACA at RCAC in Rochester, NY. My cousins came to me with their 2 Pitbull’s asking for help, a male and female. They were adopted as litter mates at 8 weeks old. They are now 5 years old. Both dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, from Apple Country Vet, and from what I’ve heard they’re great at the vet. However, it sounds like they have developed litter mate syndrome. They team up together when strangers come to the house unannounced and they have gotten themselves into some trouble when biting a neighbor. They’re good dogs they just need training and love! My uncle wants to euthanize both dogs by the end of the week. I asked him to hold off to see if I can get them help. If there is anything you guys can do for them I would so greatly appreciate it! Thank you!
Good morning.
My husband and I have a 7 year old female pit that we rescued about 2 years ago. She was in really bad shape when we got her – her back left leg had been broken at some point and she wasn’t taken to a vet to get it reset. She was not up to date on her shots, and she was very underweight. We have gotten her weight up to where it should be and she is able to use that back leg. She is great with humans, but the problem is other dogs.
We have seen an increase in her aggression over the last two years. Two weeks ago she “escaped” and went straight for our neighbors house. They have two small dogs. She was on their porch trying to get into their backyard while their dogs were out. She did not want to play – she definitely wanted to do them harm.
Last night she jumped over the fence in our backyard (she has never done that in the two years that we have had her) and made it to another neighbor’s yard where she tried to get into their yard to harm their two large dogs. Fortunately they had a fence, but it was a very upsetting scene.
Just on our block alone, there are 9 dogs, many of them rescues.
Our concern is that there is going to be a time in the near future where we cannot get there in time and the police are going to show up at our door, giving us no options. We would like to rehome her if you can help.
She is a beautiful red nose pit. She is very sweet with humans. Loves to cuddle, go for walks (as long as you have a strong leash and harness) and loves to play ball. She loves children, but sometimes scares them because she is so excitable.
I would love to see her with a family that understands the breed, has a very high fence in their yard and can love her in spite of her behavior, which I am hoping at some point will improve.
If someone could give me a call (315-751-2527), I would like to discuss options with you. I am reaching out to you because your organization understands the breed and are my best option at this point for rehoming her.
Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated
We have a beautiful 5 year-old, petite (40-lb), female brindle Pitbull mix we adopted from the SPCA. She is very loving and playful. She loves toys, fetching, hiking, and especially swimming and cuddling after a long day of fun. However, Fiona is reactive and anxious. She has co-existed semi-peacefully with 2 cats and 3 other dog siblings, but she can be aggressive with some dogs, however the triggers are not easily identifiable.
315-382-2859
I rescued a 7 year old Dog,pit bull boxer mix from a Shelter 5 weeks ago…he was there almost 500 days. He has SEVERE separation anxiety. They said he won’t stay in a crate. I am home most of the time. But when I leave he howls, screams and cries like he’s been run over by a car. My other dog has invisible fence, so I had to buy an extra collar and pay for training $615 on my credit card. He broke through the containment system and I found him!Now I have to have the trainer come back next week! I have had dogs with seperation anxiety but nothing like this…I can’t afford all this and I don’t know how to help his anxiety. Is there any help for us? He was returned to the shelter a few times by others. I thought I could help. I’m at my wits end with a panic disorder (disabled) myself. I don’t know where to turn and I’m not bringing him back to the shelter no matter what. Is there any help for us? He has gained some weight finally, but is toy aggressive… he’s a lover, he’s beautiful, I want to give him a chance at life…is there any help for us…. I’ve put the $615 on a credit card, his Seresto flea collar, vitamins, probiotics, high protein food and treats on my credit card and am broke and can’t afford more training etc. I will not let anyone put him down and I’m afraid someone else would do that. Please help? He has my dog with him and still breaks out. If I tie him he’s good, but if I LEAVE he tears everything apart? I don’t know how to help him? I’m not giving him, he’s mine for life. I just need help training and donations?
Hello!! My name is aimee west i live in the eastwood syracuse area. The beginning of july one of my friends had asked if i could look over her dog for 2 weeks while she went on vacation, 2 weeks pasted and i have not gotten any response from her nor her relatives so they basically dumped this dog on me. I live in an apartment complex that i was not aware they did not allow pitbulls and are now telling me they want to evict me if i don’t pay an extra $100 for him being here. as well as getting neutered, i do not have money to take care of this dog i’m financially struggling myself with my own bills i cannot take on another responsibility i did not want to take on. Please get back to me asap the best way is my number. (315) 857-7247