So when someone opened the doors at his doggy daycare yesterday, the 3-year-old Shih-tzu Bichon bolted.
Soon after, at 9.45am, police started getting reports from drivers about a dog running all over the road near the intersection of St Andrew and Cumberland Sts.
Otis then found his way on to the new Dunedin hospital construction site, after which several more reports about him were made to police by construction workers.
A police spokesman said Otis did not appear to be aggressive, but he was "very energetic".
It was highly possible Otis was sniffing out the construction workers’ lunch boxes while out on his adventure.
"A Dunedin police unit tried to track the dog.
Police contacted the Dunedin City Council and a council staff member asked for the dog to be transported to the SPCA.
SPCA staff scanned Otis for a microchip and his owners were quickly identified.
Owner Wayne Winder said police got in touch and Otis was returned by officers soon after.
"We’re relieved he's safe.
"Right now, he's pretty frightened, recovering at home.
"Usually he's a friendly, happy dog, but likes to protect his territory by barking — he makes a good alarm and doorbell.
"I'm extremely thankful nobody hit him."
