Stray Dog
If you find a stray dog, we expect that you have already checked with a veterinarian for a microchip before contacting us. This check is free and can be done at virtually any veterinarian in the city. We also expect that you have already posted to the major lost and found pages on Facebook. If you need help doing either of these things, please contact us so that we may provide assistance. Please do not neglect these two very important steps because you believe the dog was abused or neglected by its owner. We cannot determine how long a dog has been loose and exposure to the elements can turn any beloved pet into a feral animal. We must always assume first that the owner is loving and misses their pet terribly.
If the dog is older and appears to be healthy, we generally ask that you consult with the City of El Paso Animal Services first. This is because oftentimes an un-chipped dog will have an owner who is not necessarily familiar with Facebook. Animal Services provides many services to help reunite owners with their dogs. Our top priority for stray dogs is to reunite them with their owner if one exists. You are welcome to give us a call or send us a message with the case number of the dog so that we may follow-up to ensure it is reunited with its owner, adopted, or pulled by a rescue.
If the dog is younger or appears to be ill or injured, it may not be in the best interest to take it to Animal Services. Because of the high traffic and high density of dogs, a younger dog stands a higher chance of contracting a lethal illness such as distemper or parvo. If the dog is ill or injured, Animal Services is not equipped with the proper supplies to be able to care for the animal. In this case, we do ask that you contact us to see what can be done to help the dog. If you are able to foster and/or donate a small portion of the care for the animal, that dramatically increases the likelihood that we will be able to help it.
If the dog is older and appears to be healthy, we generally ask that you consult with the City of El Paso Animal Services first. This is because oftentimes an un-chipped dog will have an owner who is not necessarily familiar with Facebook. Animal Services provides many services to help reunite owners with their dogs. Our top priority for stray dogs is to reunite them with their owner if one exists. You are welcome to give us a call or send us a message with the case number of the dog so that we may follow-up to ensure it is reunited with its owner, adopted, or pulled by a rescue.
If the dog is younger or appears to be ill or injured, it may not be in the best interest to take it to Animal Services. Because of the high traffic and high density of dogs, a younger dog stands a higher chance of contracting a lethal illness such as distemper or parvo. If the dog is ill or injured, Animal Services is not equipped with the proper supplies to be able to care for the animal. In this case, we do ask that you contact us to see what can be done to help the dog. If you are able to foster and/or donate a small portion of the care for the animal, that dramatically increases the likelihood that we will be able to help it.
Owner Surrender
In general, we do try to discourage an owner from surrendering their pet to be re-homed. If you contact us for this service, we will likely first suggest measures be taken, such as enrolling in a dog training course, or considering other options that would make it possible to keep your pet. However, we understand that there are times when this cannot happen and in those circumstances, we do try to provide as much assistance as possible. If you believe your situation is completely unavoidable, please contact us. If you are able to foster and/or donate a small portion of care for the animal (or if your pet is already vaccinated and spayed/neutered), that dramatically increases the likelihood that we will be able to help it.
All owner surrenders are at our discretion and addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please do not make assumptions that we will be able to take your dog.
All owner surrenders are at our discretion and addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please do not make assumptions that we will be able to take your dog.