Trapping with a humane cage trap is one of the most effective methods for catching a skittish or fearful lost or stray dog. However, it is very important to select the right dog trap and set it up, bait it, and monitor it properly. The wrong trap may injure your dog or allow them to escape. Once they have had a bad experience with a trap, they will be much more difficult to trap again.
Here are a few of the best designed dog traps as well as one more affordable trap that still works well. These traps fit most dogs from small to large sizes. However, if you are trying to trap a tiny dog (less than 10 lbs), you may want to see the article on Best Humane Cat Traps. This article has been updated for 2024.
Important tips on selecting a humane dog trap
- Most important: make sure that the trap you select is big enough! Your dog’s entire body should fit inside the trap before they step on the trip plate (i.e. the trigger that closes the door). If the trap is too small, the trap door may close on your dog’s back end and allow them to escape. Some dogs will stretch their body out to try and reach the bait without fully entering the trap, so longer traps are generally better.
- Pick a dog trap made of quality materials. It may be tempting to buy a cheap trap, but these are more likely to bend or break. Dogs have been known to break out of cage traps occasionally. Expect to pay $160-400 or more for a decent trap. I do not recommend some of the really cheap traps on Amazon.com or those often sold at discount hardware stores like Tractor Supply Co.
- Not a necessity, but a sliding rear release door makes baiting the trap and releasing wildlife so much easier. However, I do not recommend traps with two trap doors.
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Tomahawk Dog Traps
Tomahawk offers some good quality dog traps in a variety of sizes and styles. They come in 42" to 72" (6 feet) long. I would suggest getting one with a rear sliding door, which makes baiting and cleaning the trap much easier. The rigid models are sturdier and will likely last longer. However, if you can't fit a rigid model in your vehicle, they also offer collapsible models for easy transport. The collapsible models also have lower shipping costs, which can get quite high with these traps.
If you are trapping medium to large dogs, the 72" model (610C or 210C) is the best option. The trip plate is set far back in the trap, so most dogs will be fully inside the trap before stepping on the trip plate. Most Tomahawk traps have a spring-loaded door that shuts quickly and reduces the chances of escape.
Tomahawk now offers several models in the GT610 series with a gravity style door instead of a spring-loaded door. I haven't heard heard much about these yet, but will update recommendations once I know more.
Pros
- Spring-loaded doors shut quickly and lock to prevent escape.
- Easy-to-set trigger mechanism.
- Dogs are more likely to enter the larger entrance (20”x26” compared to 17”x26” for Tractor Supply dog trap).
- Available in 42", 48", 60" and 72" to fit medium to extra-large dogs. Longer traps ensure that your entire dog is inside the trap before they step on the trip plate. This results in fewer escapes.
- Trip plate is located farther back in the trap so the dog is more likely to be fully inside the trap before the door shuts.
- Easy to add bait using rear door (on some models).
- Made of high-quality materials and built to last.
- Some models fold down flat for easy transport.
Cons
- Can be difficult to find in stores.
- Can order online, but shipping may take several weeks and is often expensive.
- Trip plate is smaller than Tru Catch traps and some dogs may manage to get the bait without setting off the trap. (There are modifications you can make to solve this issue.)
- Trap door shuts loudly and may scare the trapped dog.
- The 72" model requires a truck or large SUV for transport.
- The 72" model is heavy (40-62 lbs).
Where to Buy Tomahawk Dog Traps
Tomahawk traps are available on their website: Livetrap.com as well as some wildlife control stores like ACES and Wildlife Control Supplies. The Tomahawk Collapsible Dog Trap is sometimes available on Amazon.com. Some local hardware or feed and grain stores may sell Tomahawk traps, but they are not generally available at large stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Safeguard Dog Traps
Safeguard also makes good quality dog traps with similar pros and cons to Tomahawk traps. They also come in 42" to 72" (6 feet) long. I would suggest getting one with a rear sliding door, which makes baiting and cleaning the trap much easier. Safeguard only makes rigid models, so you will need a large vehicle to transport the 72" trap.
Where to Buy Safeguard Dog Traps
Safeguard does not sell traps directly from their website, but you can find a list of vendors there, including ACES and Wildlife Control Supplies. Some local hardware or feed and grain stores may sell Safeguard traps, but they are not generally available at large stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Tru Catch Large Animal Traps
Tru Catch offers a selection of quality made traps for small to extra-large dogs. Their unique design includes a quiet gravity door, an extra-large trip plate, and a variable trigger. These traps have a large trip plate set far back from the entrance, which increases capture rates. Typical small trip plates may allow the dog to eat the bait and not set off the trap. The variable trigger mechanism can be set for either light or heavy dogs.
All traps come with a sliding rear door except the 48F Folding Trap, which has a hinged rear door. A rear door makes adding bait easy and allows easy release of wildlife. Wildlife can also be released through the front door using the automatic door release mechanism; if you roll the trap upside down with your foot, the front door will automatically open. (This method is not recommended for releasing skunks!)
Pros
- Dogs are more likely to enter the larger entrance (20”x28” compared to 17”x26” for Tractor Supply dog trap).
- Trap door does not take up any space inside the trap, which allows larger dogs to fit.
- Trip plate is located farther back in the trap so the dog is more likely to be fully inside the trap before the door shuts.
- Extra-large trip plate prevents dogs from stepping over the trip plate to get at bait. Results in more captures.
- Unique gravity door with O-rings shuts quietly and is less likely to scare your dog.
- Trigger can be set for light or heavy dogs.
- Easy to add bait using rear door (on some models).
- Easy to release wildlife using rear door or automatic door release.
- 48F Model folds down flat for easy transport.
- Made of high-quality materials and built to last.
Cons
- Generally not available in stores and must be ordered online.
- Traps are often in high demand and may be on backorder for up to 2-8 weeks.
- Shipping costs may be very high, except the 48F Folding Trap, which often offers free shipping to the lower 48 states.
- Front door can open accidentally if trap is rolled upside down. This can be prevented by proper securing of trap using cable lock.
- Trigger setting mechanism can be slippery (trap will set off too easily) and may need some (easy) modification to work correctly.
- No spring mechanism so trap door shuts more slowly. Door may bounce open before fully closing, allowing dog to escape - more likely in 60" and 72" traps. (There are modifications you can make to help with this issue.)
One big issue with large Tru Catch traps is that the door doesn't always shut quickly enough and will bounce open. This can allow the dog to escape as seen in this video. Since these are great traps I still recommend them. There are some modifications you can make to ensure that the door bounce issue doesn't happen. Method One with sinker balls and Method Two with bungee cords.
Where to Buy Tru Catch Traps
Tru Catch traps are available on TruCatch.com as well as some wildlife control stores like ACES and Wildlife Control Supplies. Unfortunately, Tru Catch traps are sometimes sold out or on back order due to their high demand so you may need to shop around. Shipping can be quite expensive (as much as $150-$250), especially for the extra-large traps. However, the 48F Folding Trap (48"x20"x28") often offers free shipping to the lower 48 states.
Trapping on a Budget with Humane Way
Compared to Tomahawk, Safeguard and Tru Catch, the Humane Way trap is not really the best design for catching lost dogs. However, if you need to locate a trap quickly, this trap may be available with fast shipping from Amazon.com I have two Humane Way traps and they work well for dogs up to 40-50 lbs. They may accommodate dogs up to 60-80 lbs if the dog is not trap-shy. These traps are built with somewhat lower quality materials and will bend or break with prolonged use.
Pros
- Gravity door shuts quietly and locks to prevent escape.
- Easy-to-set trigger mechanism.
- More affordable option.
- Often ships quickly from Amazon.com
- Trip plate rod is located outside trap where it is not at risk of damage from a panicked animal.
- Folds flat for easy transport.
Cons
- May not be suitable for large dogs. Okay for dogs up to 50 lbs and maybe 60-80 lbs if not trap-shy.
- Smaller entrance so some dogs may hesitate to enter the trap.
- Small trip plate may allow some dogs to get the bait without setting off the trap. (There are modifications you can make to solve this issue.)
- No sliding rear door, so it is more difficult to put bait in the back of the trap.
- More difficult to release wildlife. Requires releasing lock and opening front door.
- Made of lower quality materials, which may bend or break over time.
Where to Buy the Humane Way Folding Dog Trap
The Humane Way Folding Dog Trap is not generally sold in stores, but they are available online. Sometimes they are available with fast shipping from Amazon.com. If sold out on Amazon, then check out Wildlife-Traps.com. They also have some similar affordable options.
Last update on 2024-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Traps to Avoid
Be careful when buying cheaper traps such as the many off-brand humane traps on Amazon.com or the cheaper traps at stores like Harbor Freight Tools or Tractor Supply Company. These traps are often made of cheap materials that will bend and allow a dog to escape.
CountyLine Catch & Release Live Animal Trap
In particular, I do NOT recommend the CountryLine Catch & Release Live Animal Trap that is often available at local hardware stores like Tractor Supply Co. This trap is often advertised a coyote trap, but is really only suitable for animals less than 20 lbs. The design of the trap increases the chance that a dog will not be fully inside the trap when they step on the trip plate, which increases the chance of escape. It is also made of low quality materials and a dog may be able to break out of the trap.
Keep in mind that a poorly designed trap is NOT better than no trap at all. If your dog is scared by a trap and escapes, they will be much more difficult to trap again.
Pros
- May be available at a local hardware store.
- Cheaper than other dog traps.
Cons
- Not suitable for medium or large dogs. Okay for dogs up to 20 lbs.
- Smaller entrance so some dogs may hesitate to enter the trap.
- Trip plate located in center of trap, so a larger dog may not be completely inside the trap when they trigger the door. Results in more escapes.
- Small trip plate may allow some dogs to get the bait without setting off the trap.
- Door is made of thin metal which may bend and allow escape of a panicked animal.
- No sliding rear door, so it is more difficult to put bait in the back of the trap.
- More difficult to release wildlife. Requires releasing lock and opening front door.
- Made of lower quality materials, which may bend or break over time.
Why You Should Get an Extra Large Trap
If you are trapping medium to large dogs, then you should seriously consider getting as large a trap as possible. It is not uncommon for a dog to try and stretch into the trap and reach the food. In this case their legs (or even back) may be outside the trap when they trigger the trip plate, and this may allow the dog to escape.
The extra-large 72" traps usually have high shipping costs. If possible, see if there is a trap vendor within a few hours of your location. You may be able to get permission to pick up the trap in person rather than have it shipped. If you are unable to find an extra-large humane trap and you have a hard to trap dog, then you may need to look into building an enclosure trap.
Other Trap Resources
Trap Loans or Rentals
Since large dog traps are difficult to find in stores, be sure to check with Animal Control Officers (ACOs) in your town and nearby towns, shelters and rescue groups to see if they have a trap that they will loan to you. Just make sure that the trap is large enough for your dog and don't rely on the ACO or shelter to know this. I have seen them both lend out traps that are much too small.
If you need assistance trapping your dog, you might also look for a pet detective or volunteer lost pet recovery group to help you. Some of these individuals/groups may rent or loan humane dog traps. They may also have other trapping tools for trap-shy dogs that refuse to enter a regular cage trap.
Where Else to Buy a Trap
If you need to purchase a trap, you could also check these quality animal/wildlife control companies. If you are lucky enough to be near one, call them and see if you have the option of picking up the trap at their warehouse rather than waiting to have it shipped.
- Animal Care Equipment and Services - Broomfield, CO
- Heart of the Earth Animal Equipment - Fruitdale, SD
- List of Vendors for Safeguard Animal Traps
- Tomahawk Live Trap - Hazelhurst, WI
- Wildlife Control Supplies - Granby, CT
If you are not near any of these companies, try calling any local farmers supply or feed & grain stores in your area. You may get lucky and find one that carries quality dog or coyote cage traps.
Before you Start Trapping, Make Sure You Know What You Are Doing!
Obtaining a trap is only part of catching a lost or stray dog. Make sure that you know what you are doing. You want to select the proper location, set the trap up correctly, and bait it properly. Most importantly, you want to make sure that you monitor the trap adequately. Failure to do these things may reduce the chances of catching your dog. And worst case, could result in injury or death or your dog or another animal. Learn more about effective trap surveillance options here.
You may want to seek on-site assistance from someone with experience catching loose dogs. If you can't find someone local, then consider doing a phone consultation with a pet detective, volunteer lost pet recovery group or animal rescue group. This site also includes information on safe and effective trapping. Check out the Lost Pet Recovery Online Instructions and the Trapping Checklist for Lost Dogs.
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