Coming across a stray dog can be both worrying and confusing. You want to help, but you also need to make sure you and the dog stay safe. As someone who works in dog training, I know how important it is to handle these situations calmly and responsibly. Here’s a practical guide on what to do when you find a stray dog.
Stay Safe First
The first priority is safety. Not all dogs will be friendly, especially if they are scared, lost, or injured. If the dog shows signs of aggression—such as growling, barking, or lunging—do not approach. Instead, keep your distance and call your local council or animal shelter for help. I once encountered a stray near a busy road in Melbourne, and the safest choice was to wait for animal services rather than put myself or the dog at risk.
Prevent Road Accidents 
Stray dogs often wander onto roads, which can cause accidents. If it’s safe to do so, try to guide the dog away from traffic. Use a calm voice and avoid sudden movements. If you have a lead in your car or on you, that can help, but never put yourself in danger trying to catch the dog.
Check for Identification
If the dog seems approachable, check whether it has a collar and tag with contact details. Many lost dogs are quickly reunited with their families because of a simple phone call. This is why collars with up-to-date tags are so valuable.
The Role of Microchipping
Microchipping is a legal requirement in Victoria, and it’s one of the most effective ways to reunite pets with their families. If the stray doesn’t have visible identification, take it to a local vet or animal shelter where they can scan for a microchip. This quick step often solves the mystery. It also highlights how important it is to keep your own dog’s microchip details current. I always remind my dog training clients that updating contact information after moving house is just as vital as the chip itself.
Contact the Right Authorities
In Melbourne, your first point of contact should be your local council or animal shelter. They have procedures in place for handling strays safely and responsibly. If the dog appears injured, a nearby vet can also provide immediate care.
What This Means for Dog Owners
Finding a stray dog is a good reminder of our responsibility as owners. Ensuring our dogs are microchipped, wearing a collar with ID, and well trained helps reduce the risk of them becoming strays in the first place. Dog training plays a huge role in teaching recall, calm walking, and road safety—all of which lower the chance of a dog becoming lost.
When people search for “dog training near me,” they’re often looking to build that extra layer of safety and confidence with their pets. As a dog owner, I’ve experienced how much peace of mind training can bring.
If you’d like to explore more on how training can help prevent these situations, you can read more on my dog training services.
For further information on microchipping and pet ownership laws in Victoria, visit Agriculture Victoria’s website.
Written by Emilia Borkowski
22.09.25
Images credited to:
Francesco Tagliavia, Lepeto and Pew Nguyen