Final answer:
State laws vary, but shelters commonly hold stray dogs for five to seven days for owner reunification. For traveling with service animals, the DOT requires health, behavior, and training documentation, possibly 48 hours in advance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The length of time stray dogs must be held by shelters for potential reunion with their owners depends on state law and can vary from one jurisdiction to another. However, a common holding period for shelters is five to seven days when the shelter is open, which allows owners ample time to claim their lost pets. This holding period also acknowledges the importance of giving stray animals a chance to be reunited with their owners before considering adoption or other outcomes.
In addition to the holding requirement for stray dogs, there are other regulations that may apply, particularly when traveling with animals. For example, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed forms which might be needed when traveling with a service animal, such as a Seeing Eye-certified dog. These forms confirm the animal's health, behavior, and training. Airline companies may require these documents to be submitted 48 hours before travel, or at the time of departure to ensure that all requirements are met and the animal is fit for travel.