How to Search for a Dog's Owner by Tag Number

Most towns and cities in the United States require dog owners to license their dogs annually. For the town, these fees often defray costs of municipal animal control officers. For the dog owner, the tags that are given out with licenses can be a valuable way to find a lost pet. Although more pet owners are choosing to have their pets microchipped, simple tags are still the first line of defense should a pet become lost. If you find a lost dog with a tag, there are a few simple steps to tracking its owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Phone
  • Camera
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Instructions

    • 1

      Approach a stray dog carefully. Get within a couple of feet and let the dog come to you. If the dog comes to you readily, pat the dog gently and speak calmly while you look at its tag.

    • 2

      Check the dog's tag for the town, state, licensing number and year of issue. These are four components of almost all dog tags. Write them down or take a picture with your cell phone camera.

    • 3

      Call information and ask for the animal control officer or the police department in the town on the dog's tag. If it is after hours, you will be connected with a dispatch officer, who will take your information and get back in touch with you. Police and animal control have access to dog licensing records that they can use to match the dog's tag number and its owner.

    • 4

      Tell the officer the information on the tag, a description of the dog, where the dog is currently located and what condition the dog is in. The officer may already have been alerted that the dog is lost.

    • 5

      Wait for the officer's return call to determine what the final steps are for returning the dog to its owner.