Found Dogs

Stray Dogs

If you find a stray dog, please call the Washington County Dog Warden's office immediately at (740) 376-7070, Ext. 0, and advise them that you have a stray dog to be picked up. Calls received after business hours to pick up a dog, will be answered provided the dog is confined.

We will not insist on picking the dog up if you do not want us to do so. However, there are several things to keep in mind if you choose to keep the dog.

• Most people call the Dog Warden's office in search of their dog when they are lost. Lost dogs are taken to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley to be boarded until the owner claims the dog or it is put up for adoption.
• The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley has a high adoption / release rate, and a very efficient return procedure. People who call about their dogs missing will get the dog back if the Dog Warden or the humane officer comes in contact with their dog.

Found Dog Report

If you wish to keep the dog, you need to make a "Found Dog Report." You can file the "Found Dog Report" by contacting the Washington County Dog Warden or the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. You will be asked a series of questions about the dog, and where it was found to assure we can match the dog with lost dog reports on file before you can adopt the "found" dog.

The key to being able to keep a "found" dog with as few problems as possible is to be able to prove you have made every available attempt to find the dog's owner. If you approach the matter in the same manner as though you lost your dog, then chances are keeping the "found" dog will work out well for you. Making a report with the local dog warden, other local shelters, and advertising, all achieve this end.

If the dog has a license on its collar we will give you the address and phone number of the person the dog is registered to so you may contact them.