A small dog is recovering at a Tri-Cities shelter after it was rescued by local police from busy highway traffic this past weekend.
Port Moody police (PMPD) were able to rescue the "nervous" and "frightened" pup Sunday afternoon (April 10).
But because it had no tags or collar around its neck, it was taken to the Coquitlam Animal Shelter to be held until the rightful owner(s) comes forward.
"Animal shelter staff are helping the dog feel comfortable and settle in on-site, as they do with all impounded animals," says Aaron Hilgerdenaar, Coquitlam bylaw enforcement and animal services manager, in an interview with the Tri-City News.
"Stray animals arrive at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter on a daily basis with the majority of them being reunited with their families after verification of ownership."
Around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the PMPD responded to a caller's concern for a loose dog's safety as it was apparently seen running in and out of traffic near the Barnet Highway's .
Const. Sam Zacharias tells the Tri-City News it took roughly 15 minutes for officers to corral the pup to a nearby yard from the busy stretch.
It was then placed into the back of a police vehicle and taken to the Coquitlam Animal Shelter — a facility that provides care services to dogs, cats and small animals found and/or up for adoption in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
"From time to time we do come across found dogs. Many times the dogs will have tags on their collars, which enables us to reach an owner right away," adds Zacharias.
"Unfortunately this dog did not, so our members had to take it to the shelter as an alternative."
The pup is set to remain at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter until the rightful owner(s) can show permanent identification.
Otherwise, if it's not claimed, the dog will go up for adoption after a holding period.
While each Tri-City community has its own rules and regulations on animal control, Hilgerdenaar says dog owners should always keep a tag or collar on their furry friend, especially if they're being let outside.
It also makes the job of contacting the right owner(s) easier if they go missing and are brought to the shelter.
"For reports of lost animals, be prepared to provide detailed information, including the location and time you lost, found or last saw the animal, a description of the animal and any other information you can provide to help get the pet home," Hilgerdenaar explains about the process of reclaiming a pet from the Coquitlam Animal Shelter.
"We are always happy to provide helpful tips to assist."
To report a lost animal, or to inquire about an impounded or adoptable animal, you're encouraged to call the Coquitlam Animal Shelter at 604-927-7387 or email [email protected].
For more information, you can also .
