When traveling through rural areas, especially on drives through places like Arizona, Utah and the Navajo Nation, encountering stray dogs is a common experience. It’s estimated that up to 500,000 stray dogs live on the Navajo Nation alone. However, deciding to pick up a stray dog with the intention of helping can be complex, especially in rural areas where farms and ranches often have free-roaming dogs. Before taking action, there are factors to consider to ensure your decision benefits the dog and the community.
First, assess the situation. A guiding principle often used with wildlife applies here: If you need to chase the animal, it likely doesn’t need your help. This is especially true for feral dogs, which are not accustomed to human interaction and may become highly stressed or even aggressive when approached. Instead, focus on whether the dog is in immediate danger, such as being on a busy road or showing signs of injury or illness. A healthy, well-cared-for dog is often best left where it is, as it may belong to a nearby home where free roaming is common. If you see a stray dog in La Plata County, you should report it to nonemergency dispatch at 385-2900.
Make a plan before taking action. If you are considering picking up a stray dog outside La Plata County, it’s essential to have a clear plan. Are you prepared to keep the dog or find it a suitable home yourself? Dropping the dog off at a shelter without a long-term solution shifts the responsibility to an already overwhelmed system. La Plata County Humane Society is a private nonprofit, and an open-admission shelter for La Plata County. LPCHS has limited resources and cannot take in dogs and cats from outside La Plata County.
Consider the challenges of shelter placement. While it may seem compassionate to take a free-roaming or feral dog to a shelter, the reality can be complicated. Free-roaming or feral dogs often struggle in shelter environments because of their lack of exposure to indoor settings, leashes and human handling. This can pose safety risks to shelter staff members and may lead to outcomes like behavioral euthanasia. Furthermore, shelters nationwide are consistently at or above capacity. Bringing in dogs from outside the service area can strain resources intended for local animals in need.
By carefully assessing the situation and considering the dog’s needs alongside the limitations of your local shelter, you can make a thoughtful, informed decision. Not every stray dog requires intervention, and in many cases, leaving the animal where it is may be the most humane choice. You are encouraged to bring stray animals found in La Plata County to La Plata County Humane Society, or to report them to Animal Protection by calling 385-2900.
Colleen Dunning is development manager at La Plata County Humane Society.
