We took the question to the experts at the Kyabram Veterinary Clinic and got some tips on how everybody, our pooches included, can stay safe and happy.
Megan Burns has been a vet at the practice on McCormick Rd for five years, and has seen hundreds of dogs wander in looking for their owners.
In 2024, Campaspe Shire Council reported 318 lost dogs that had been taken to the shelter, with 105 reclaimed.
She said the best and most effective method of reuniting a dog with its owner is by having the right measures in place, starting with a microchip.
Kyabram Vet Clinic or Campaspe Shire Council can reunite any microchipped pet with its owner if the animal is presented to them and the microchip information is up to date.
Tips when approaching a lost/stray dog
Always approach a dog with caution: move slowly and calmly, avoid direct eye contact, watch for fear or aggressive behaviours.
Do not approach if the dog looks aggressive.
If not aggressive, check for any injuries that may need immediate attention.
Either slip a lead over its head, or secure in a safe place.
Contact the Campaspe Shire Council ranger for collection on 1300 666 535 or transport to Kyabram Veterinary Clinic at 77 McCormick Rd, Kyabram.
The greatest delays in reuniting an owner with their pet are caused by dogs not being microchipped and details being out of date.
Megan said if you ended up finding a dog, and you were able to approach it safely, always check for injuries and whether it might need immediate attention.
If you can get it to a vet, staff will be able to contact the owners if the microchip is up to date to begin giving medical attention to the dog.
Megan said community pages could be used to track down the owners, but should be used with official methods of reunification, such as taking the animal to a shelter or clinic.
“I do think they’re a way of communicating. I mean, back in the day it used to be pinboards out the front of Woolies,” she said.
“But it can get messy because there will be a lot of people who aren’t involved in the situation who make comments.”
Misinformation can spread quick in the comments under a social media post: people claiming it is their dog, giving wrong medical advice, the list goes on.
However, Megan said as long as you kept the information clear and concise, social media could be a powerful tool.
“We’re a small community at the end of the day. Lots of people know everybody ... we're still happy to provide every avenue to get a dog back to its owner.
“We would much prefer to find the easiest avenue to have a dog going back to its owner because then they’re happier.”
