Lost Dogs in Lemont: How Police Help

Two dogs recently found near Harpers Grove in Lemont remain unclaimed—but have food, shelter, and plenty of attention at the Lemont Police Department.

The two female dogs—one back and tan beagle/dachshund mix, and one white, very thin beagle mix—were brought in Nov. 14, just two of the many canines picked up by police, hopefully for a reunion with family. 

"We do everything we can to make sure the dog is reunited with its owner," said Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy. "And if not, they're well cared for beyond that."

Loose dogs brought into the police department are housed in kennels attached to the facility. The kennels are enclosed, with doors opening to dog runs. The dogs are scanned for micrco-chips, fed, and watered upon arrival. The dogs are kept for three days, typically. Police hope to have located the owners by that time. After three days, depending on the health, size of dogs, and weather, the department "plays it by ear." Because the kennel includes doors that open to an outdoor run, the colder the weather gets, the shorter the timespan for keeping a dog in the kennel. 

When it's time to move the dogs, police work with no-kill Cache Animal Rescue in Joliet. The two dogs found Nov. 14 will be transported to the shelter on Friday. 

Interested in adopting the dogs found last week? The department works with the shelter to facilitate adoptions. If a resident expresses interest in a dog, visits with it while it's at the department,  Shaughnessy can pass that information to the shelter. 

"We'd feel better about it," he said, "because then we know the dog's going to a good home."

Shaughnessy always hopes to reunite a lost pet with its loving family.

"We work really hard on the little things," Shaughnessy said. 

Interested in the two dogs pictured here? Please contact Lemont police at 630-257-2226 for information or visit the station. 

What to Do if Your Pet is Lost

• If your pet disappears, move quickly, before it has time to go far.  Most lost dogs and cats are found within two miles of where they were lost.  Notify the Lemont Police Department at 630-257-2229 so officers are aware of the situation and can notify you if the animal is found.
• Mobilize help: family, neighbors, and friends.  Walk through the neighborhood calling your pets. Be cautious when calling around busy intersections - your pet may try to cross the street to get to you. 
• If your pet is friendly with strangers, check parks and schools. If your pet is shy, frightened, or injured, check places that offer seclusion. 
• Leave the gate to your yard open in case your dog returns home on its own.