How Can I Get a Dog Back From a Rescue After Taking in a Stray?

Question

I am in need of assistance in getting a dog back from a rescue that was a stray I took in.

Answer

People who surrender a stray dog to a rescue/shelter generally have no rights to that dog. Rescues/shelters are generally required to hold lost and stray dogs for a few days to give the dogs’ “parents” an opportunity to claim their dogs. In some states, including Georgia, they are also required to check animals for a microchip. Georgia law states, in part:

When any dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet is brought to an animal shelter or other facility operated for the collection and care of stray, neglected, or abandoned animals, the operator of the facility shall, if the owner of the animal is not known, within 24 hours or as soon as possible scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader. If a microchip is found, the operator shall make a reasonable effort to contact the owner of the animal. Prior to euthanizing a dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as a household pet, any facility referred to in this subsection shall again scan for the presence of an identifying microchip through the use of a microchip reader.

If an animal is not retrieved during the legal hold time, which is often extended if the animal has ID, the rescue/shelter can typically place the animal for adoption. People who are interested in adopting an animal from a rescue/shelter, including, but not limited to the person who surrendered the animal, can apply to adopt the animal.