Report a stray animal to your local shelter. If you see a stray in Dearborn, phone 313-943-2697 (after hours phone the Dearborn police at (313) 943-2201). You can also use our online submit form.

How to Rescue a Stray

1. Please do not ignore a stray animal – they need your help. They are frightened, often injured and in pain, cold, and hungry. They cannot survive on their own.
2. Any dog on its own (no obvious owner around) is a stray.
   • If you are reluctant to make contact with the dog, or the dog appears in any way to be hostile, or the dog is on the run, just phone your local shelter and an animal control officer will be dispatched to rescue the dog. NEVER risk your own safety.
   • Most volunteers carry pet food and leases in their trunks for stray rescues.
   • If you are not afraid of the dog, try to get the dog to come to you. If it is friendly and you are able to catch it, put it in your car, backyard, or any other confined location. Either transport it to your local shelter or call your local shelter to have the dog picked up. If you are unsure where your local shelter is, please contact the Friends at 313.943.2697, and we’ll help you determine which shelter services your area.
   • If the dog is frightened and will not come to you, try to corner it into a confined area (fenced backyard) and contact your local shelter to pick the dog up.
   • If you are unable to confine the dog and the your shelter is unable to rescue it and you are willing to invest some time in the rescue, start placing a food dish at the same location daily. The dog will find the food and after a couple of days, wait for you to put it out. If you are not willing to do this, please still notify your shelter that you continue to see the dog.
3. Stray cats also are easy to identify. You probably know any neighborhood cat whose owner (unfortunately) lets them out and will recognize when a new face appears. Outside your own neighborhood, assist any cat that appears injured, infirm, frightened, or obviously misplaced.
   • Try to make contact. You will know immediately if the cat is friendly and will come to you or if it is frightened and will run. NEVER risk your own safety.
   • If you are able to get the cat, confine it (car, house, cat carrier, etc.) and take it to your local shelter. If you are unable to transport it, contact your shelter for assistance.
   • If you are not able to get the cat, place a dish of food on your porch to get the cat accustomed to finding it there. Your local shelter may have live traps available for rent . Place the food in the trap. Traps must be monitored at least every 15 to 30 minutes to see if the cat is inside (especially in cold weather). You may transport the cat to your shelter in the trap or call to have it picked up.
   • As a note about cats, you may encounter a feral cat. This is a domestic cat who has been a stray for a long period of time or is the offspring of a stray who has never know human contact. These animals are exceptionally frightened and will not allow themselves to be touched. They are generally not aggressive, just protective. Always exercise caution when dealing with an unknown animal.

Note: Should you rescue and wish to keep a stray animal, remember, someone may be looking for their pet.

• Please contact your shelter to let them know you have found the animal to provide an opportunity for the owner to find them.
• See a vet immediately. NEVER mix a new animal with any existing pets without first taking the new animal to the vet. The new animal may look healthy, but may carry disease. Isolate them in a separate room.
• Contact the Shelter for information on the proper way to introduce a new animal into your household.

For any questions call 313-943-2697 or email the shelter.