Dog Recovery Program
Siskiyou Humane Society’s Dog Recovery Program provides guidance and recovery assistance for lost, stray, and hard-to-catch dogs. Our volunteers use proven recovery techniques, behavior-based strategies, and humane trapping when appropriate.
How We Help
- Recovery planning and strategy
- Sighting evaluation
- Behavior-based recovery techniques
- Humane trap deployment when appropriate
- Community coordination and volunteer support
Contact Our Recovery Team
If you are dealing with a lost, stray, or hard-to-catch dog, contact Siskiyou Humane Society as soon as possible.
Early planning often leads to safer and more successful recoveries. Our team can help assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Email: dogrecovery@siskiyouhumane.org
Phone: (530) 926-4052 ext. 103
Before You Start
Many well-intentioned recovery efforts can actually make a frightened dog harder to catch.
- Do not chase the dog.
- Do not organize large search parties.
- Avoid posting rewards immediately.
- Avoid encouraging dozens of people to pursue sightings.
- Contact our team and develop a plan.
Fractured social media efforts and constant pursuit often push dogs farther from safety. A coordinated strategy is usually far more effective.
Every Situation Is Different
Our team will do its best to assist whenever possible. However, we may not be able to provide hands-on recovery services for every loose or missing dog. Even when we cannot respond in person, we can often provide guidance, planning assistance, and recovery recommendations that improve the chances of a safe outcome.
Humane Trap-Assisted Recovery
Some lost and stray dogs become too frightened to approach people, even their owners. In these situations, humane traps can be one of the safest and most effective recovery tools available.
Successful trapping requires patience, planning, and an understanding of canine behavior. Trap placement, monitoring, and timing are often just as important as the trap itself.
Our Dog Recovery Program evaluates each situation individually and recommends trapping only when it is likely to improve the chances of a safe recovery.
Why Dogs Become Hard to Catch
A frightened dog often behaves very differently than it would at home. Even friendly, well-socialized dogs may avoid people, ignore commands, and run from familiar faces when they are stressed or overwhelmed.
This behavior is normal. Understanding how frightened dogs respond to unfamiliar situations helps recovery teams develop strategies that reduce stress and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Social Media & Rewards
Social media can be a valuable tool, but more publicity is not always better.
Before sharing posts widely or offering rewards, consider speaking with our recovery team. Large numbers of people pursuing sightings can unintentionally push a frightened dog farther from safety.
A coordinated recovery plan is often more effective than widespread public attention. Every situation is different, and our team can help determine the best approach.