How to survive when your child brings home a stray dog.

Involve your child in finding the dog's owner.
Explain that the dog might be somebody else's pet. Ask her to make posters to put up around the neighbourhood. Have her speak to the other dog owners in the area who might recognize the dog.

Check for dog tags

Follow the dog
Take the dog back to the place where it was found, and encourage the dog to lead you and your child to its home.

Take the dog to a veterinarian.
The vet should give the dog a full behavioural and medical evaluation. The dog's mental and physical condition may determine whether it can be a suitable pet.

Discuss dog ownership responsibilities
Explain to the child that caring for a dog is hard work. Detail pet care duties, and create a contract to make sure your child is fully vested in caring for and loving your new dog.

A dog with a runny nose, badly matted hair, and a dirty or unkempt appearance may have been on the streets for weeks or longer, approach such a dog with caution. Be wary of dogs that drink lots of water and seem confused or aggressive. Never approach any dog that appears to be foaming at the mouth.