Don’t handle stray dogs yourself, Stanislaus County warns. What happens if you call for help?

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency is urging residents to contact the agency when they encounter a stray dog, rather than try to secure it themselves.

The message is prompted by the agency seeing lately that “well-intentioned individuals” are getting bitten while attempting to capture stray dogs, said Animal Services Executive Director Vaughn Maurice.

“Time and again, we witness compassionate individuals who, with the best intentions, approach stray dogs on their own,” Maurice said. “It is crucial that we educate our community about the importance of leaving these situations to the trained professionals who are equipped to handle them safely and effectively.”

Here’s what animal services says to do when you see a loose dog, and what happens after a dog is secured by the agency:

What to do when you see a stray dog in Modesto

If you come across a stray dog, Maurice said, resist the urge to handle it yourself.

“Animal service agencies exist for a reason,” he said. “They have the necessary expertise, training and resources to handle loose dog situations in a manner that minimizes the risks involved.”

Instead, Maurice said people should note the location they spotted the dog, a description of it and any concerning behavior it may be displaying, then promptly contact animal services.

The phone number for Stanislaus County is 209-558-PETS.

However, “due to the capacity of the shelter,” Stanisalus Animal Services is taking in loose dogs and cats by appointment only, according to its website.

People who find and secure a stray dog should go to the website, click on “lost & found pets” then click on “I found a dog” and follow the steps, Maurice said.

Stray dogs and cats are only accepted at the Stanislaus shelter if they were found within the city limits of Modesto, Ceres, Hughson, Waterford and Unincorporated Stanislaus County, not with the city limits of Turlock, Newman, Oakdale and Riverbank, according to the website.

Why Stanislaus County officials say to contact them

The reasons Maurice said its “imperative for citizens to contact animal services” include personal safety, animal welfare and the agency has the necessary expertise and resources.

Animal services officers are experienced in assessing dog’s behavior and humane handling techniques to mitigate stress and safely secure the dog without causing harm, Maurice said.

Involving professionals, he said, increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for both the dog and the community.

“Not all dogs are friendly or approachable, especially when they find themselves in unfamiliar or stressful situations,” Maurice said. “Attempting to handle a loose dog can put individuals at risk of bites, scratches or other injuries.”

In addition, Maurice said loose dogs may be lost, abandoned or frightened, which can lead to unpredictable behavior. He said well-meaning people may unintentionally exacerbate the situation by inadvertently cornering or frightening the dog further.

Officers also have specialized equipment that allows them to use capturing strategies like humane traps and tranquilizers when necessary.

After a dog is secured by animal services

Once a dog is secured by the agency, officers will reach out to residents in the area it was found to ask if anyone recognizes it, Maurice said.

“Ideally, the dog is licensed as required by the law in Stanislaus County,” Maurice said. “In such cases, our officers can easily identify the owner by checking the tag and arrange for the dog’s return home.”

If the dog is unlicensed, officers use a scanner to check for an implanted microchip to locate the owner. If they can’t find the owner, officers bring the dog to the shelter where it is registered in the Stanislaus County system and featured on the agency website.

The dog will be on “stray hold” for four days before becoming available for adoption, Maurice said.

What happens if a dog bites a person?

In the event a dog bites a person, Maurice said the animal control team takes several actions to prioritize public safety.

“We strongly encourage the individual to report the incident,” he said. “Our animal control team initiates a thorough investigation.”

The dog will be placed on quarantine for 10 days, either in its own home or at the shelter on Cornucopia Way, depending on the circumstances, Maurice said. After the quarantine, the dog is released back to the owner.

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