Stray dogs and what to do

Summer is here, and so is the annoying habit of some people to let their dogs out of the house for hours on end without fence, leash, run, or any supervision at all. Loose dogs are more than an inconvenience that leave messes in your yard, and can pose a threat to other animals, children, and vulnerable adults. Encountering a stray dog can be concerning but also creates an opportunity for you to make a positive difference in its life. Acting responsibly and with compassion are equally important when approaching a stray dog. Although any animal can be stray, dogs are the animal most frequently posing a danger and will be the focus here.

Always prioritize your safety in every aspect of life, but especially when interacting with a stray animal. Watch from a safe distance to see how it behaves. If the dog appears aggressive, injured, or shows signs of illness, do not attempt to approach but instead contact your local animal control. If the animal is aggressive and threatening or in imminent danger of death itself, that is a 9-1-1 call. For an animal that is simply running from you and appears scared or timid, call the non-emergency line for animal control. In the City of Wasilla, you would call 907-373-9034. In the City of Palmer, call 907-745-4811. For the City of Houston, that number is 907-355-8794. For all other areas of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, call 907-861-7801. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle the dog during the call. Just like with any other communication, your delivery is as important as your words.

Notice the dog's physical condition and demeanor and look for any visible signs of distress. Does the dog look malnourished? Is it wearing a collar? This information will help determine the best course of action. If the dog is approachable and seems friendly, you may be able to proceed to the next steps if you feel comfortable doing so.

You’ve already contacted local animal control to seek guidance, right? While you are still on the phone with them, provide them with a detailed description of the dog's appearance, location, and behavior. They can advise you on the appropriate actions to take and may be able to send someone to help.

Respect that in every jurisdiction in the valley, it is required that you notify the local animal control department of found animals. These are local ordinances, not administrative policy. That means that failure to notify the local authority can get you significant fines for failure to report or possibly even interfering with an investigation if the animal is being actively sought by the jurisdiction. There is even a risk of violating state laws related to interfering with official business, which can lead up to criminal offense citations. Just notify the local agency: it’s a phone call. You can offer to foster the animal for the holding period and then help rehome it afterward.

If the dog seems approachable and not aggressive, you can attempt to gain its trust slowly. Speak softly and avoid direct eye contact. Offer the dog food or treats to create a positive association. Extend your hand palm-down and allow the dog to sniff you before attempting to touch it. Remember, every dog is different, so be patient and attentive to its body language. If the dog becomes uncomfortable or shows signs of aggression, back away slowly without turning your back to the dog.

If the dog willingly approaches you and you feel comfortable doing so, provide it with temporary shelter, such as a blanket or a box, to keep it calm and secure. Offer the dog fresh water and a small portion of food, if available, to alleviate hunger and thirst. This can help stabilize the dog's condition until professional help arrives. Keeping in one area makes it easier to live trap later, if needed. Or you can take it to the animal shelter in Palmer 24-hours-per-day. That shelter is in North 49th State Street off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Share information about the stray dog on community forums, social media groups, and local lost and found pet platforms. Spreading the word can increase the chances of reuniting the dog with its owner. Even if you are taking the dog to the shelter, posting it online at least notifies the owners of where to find the animal. If you are lucky, they will call or message you prior to arriving at the shelter and you can take it home instead.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.