You lost your dog, but it got found by the Animal Control Officer (ACO). What happens?
If your dog is friendly and easy-going, he or she will likely get to ride up front in the truck with the ACO. If your dog is scared or gives the ACO any cause for concern, your dog will probably ride in the secure kennel in the back of the truck.
When your dog arrives at the shelter, the ACO will escort him or her to a clean, prepared kennel. She’ll make sure your dog doesn’t have any obvious health problems, she’ll treat for fleas (a bath is possible), and, usually, a deworming treatment is provided. All this depends on your dog’s condition upon arrival. The ACO will spend time with your dog to ensure they are comforted because this is a new environment and sometimes the animals are frightened about this new setting.
Your dog will be cared for while it waits for you to call the police department to ask if they have found your dog. Usually, the ACO will post a picture of your dog on the Milam Touch of Love Facebook group page, so please join our group just in case you lose your pup. She will check for a microchip. If you’ve microchipped your dog, please remember to update your information when you move or if your email address or telephone number changes. MTOL or the ACO can implant a microchip for you. Just schedule an appointment.
After 72 hours, the dog becomes property of the city, and it can be adopted by someone, transferred to a rescue, or, rarely, euthanized (since the current ACO has been in charge, this has happened rarely and only for the welfare of the animal). At this point, it will receive vaccinations and be scheduled for spay or neuter and a heartworm test. Milam Touch of Love funds this through donations.
Your dog, while it’s a guest of the city will be fed, watered, walked, and cared for by devoted volunteers. If you are missing your dog, please call the police department as soon as possible Monday through Friday between 9-5 at (254) 697-6574 and ask for the ACO.