Helping Dogs in the Town of Chevy Chase Find their Family

At TownDOG, our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for lost dogs in the Town of Chevy Chase. We understand that pets can get separated from their families, and it's our goal to reunite them as quickly and safely as possible. Rather than sending lost pets to shelters, which can add to their stress, we have developed a protocol to assist in reuniting dogs with their families efficiently.

Lost Dogs in the Town of Chevy Chase

If your dog goes missing and is without ID, your neighbors can check here for your dog's profile and street address to cross-reference with the Town of Chevy Chase Resident Directory.

If You Spot a Roaming Dog Without a Guardian

Don’t Chase or Follow
Dogs that are off-leash and lost may be anxious. Attempting to chase them could lead them further from home or into dangerous areas like East-West Hwy, Bradley Lane, and Connecticut Avenue.
Take a Photo
If possible, snap a photo of the dog to help with identification.
Report the Sighting
The best way to assist is by reporting a Dog Sighting. Provide a description, the nearest intersection, and the direction the dog was heading.
Helpful Platforms:
- TownNeighbors
- NextDoor.com

If You Are Safely Taking Possession of a Stray Dog

Approach Slowly and Calmly
- Squat down to the dog's level and avoid eye contact to seem less threatening.
- Let the dog come to you and smell your hand to build trust.
Gather Information
- Take a photo of the dog’s tags, making sure your camera is in mute mode to avoid spooking the dog.
- If there are no tags, you can take the dog to a local vet or animal hospital to scan for a microchip.
Call for Help if Needed
- If you’re unsure or unable to help, call a neighbor. Many pet families keep a spare leash and treats for emergencies.
Visit Local Animal Hospitals for a Microchip Scan
- Banfield Pet Hospital (inside PetSmart) at 6800 Wisconsin Ave, or Friendship Animal Hospital at 4105 Brandywine St NW (24-hour service).

Publicizing a Found Dog

If you are unable to reach the dog's family through tags or a microchip, spread the word quickly:

Town of Chevy Chase Alerts
Contact the Town Office at townoffice@townofchevychase.org or call (301) 654-7144 to issue a Lost/Found Dog Alert.
Post on Community Platforms
- TownNeighbors: Limited to Chevy Chase residents.
  - Email townneighbors+owner@groups.io to join.
- Nextdoor.com: Connect with local neighborhoods.
- Facebook: Post on the Town of Chevy Chase’s unofficial Facebook page.
PetHarbor.com
Montgomery County Animal Shelter posts all dogs entering their facility daily.
Craigslist Lost & Found
Post under Community > Lost & Found.
Humane Rescue Alliance
Submit a Lost/Found Form on HumaneRescueAlliance.org and email them a photo.

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Animal Shelters and Reclaiming Your Dog

Dogs picked up by Montgomery County or DC animal shelters are scanned for microchips and quickly matched with owners. If no identification is found, the dog will be vaccinated, microchipped, and held for five days before adoption.

Shelters:

Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center
7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Phone: (240) 773-5900
Humane Rescue Alliance
1201 New York Ave NE, Washington DC 20002
Phone: (202) 576-6664

Note: Reclaiming a dog at these shelters requires proof of ownership, vaccination records, and payment for services, including medical treatment and licensing fees.