It may have happened to you– you and your family is driving down the road when you spot a stray dog off to the side somewhere. You don’t want to just leave it there because you fear for its safety, but you also don’t want to scare if off or put yourself in any type of danger. What do you do?

If you’re unsure of how to handle a stray situation, then this article from PetSide.com may be of some service.

The first thing that you should do is notify your local animal control organization such as the SPCA or a nearby shelter. They may have files on the dog and they could possibly tell whether it belongs to a family in the area. If you cannot get in touch with an animal control officer, you may need to drive the dog to a shelter yourself. However, it is extremely important to exercise caution when approaching a stray dog. Approach slowly and test the animal’s temperament. If it seems friendly, then secure it with a leash, rope or carrying case.

If the dog is injured, make sure to call the vet or shelter first to see if they will cover the medical expenses. If they do not, and you still bring it in, you will be responsible for payment, which may be something you cannot afford.

Check out the article for more information. It might come in handy one of these days.