Find a Pet or Animal?

What to do if you see a stray dog or cat.

Once you have secured the stray animal safely you need to make every effort to get the pet back to its family. Just think how you grateful you would be if someone saw you’re pet walking the street and they picked it up and got it home to you safely. There is nothing more rewarding than saving the life of an animal and returning it to its owner.

Contact the local city or county animal shelter where you found the animal. Give them a description of the pet and tell them exactly where you found it. The shelter is the place where the owner will eventually go to find their pet. Most shelters will allow you to keep the pet for a few days if you want to try and find the owner.

Put up Dog Found or Cat Found signs where you found the animal. People will not read a cluttered sign with small text on it. Big, easy to read signs that can be read by someone driving in a car are a must. You can make your signs by hand or print out signs like the ones available on our website. (Found Cat or Found Dog)

Many newspapers will run free lost and found ads in their classified section. Try and place a 'found pet' ad as soon as you can. It might take a few days to get the ad published in the paper.

You can adopt the lost pet you sent to the local shelter before it is going to be killed as well. You will need to get the impound number of the animal if you release it to the community animal shelter. You should try to check on the animal’s status everyday. Don’t assume the shelter will contact you before they euthanize the pet.

Another option is to find a new home for the pet you found if you are unable to locate an owner. If you are the type person who will make an effort to help a stray animal then you need to keep a few things available so you can secure a stray animal as safely as possible. A leash with a slip loop that can be used to slip over the dog’s neck even if it doesn’t have a collar. Treats for dogs and cats might help gain some trust. A cardboard carrier will help keep a cat safe until you can get it home. Food and water that can be left for the animal even if you can’t get it to come to you.

Many shelters only keep stray animals a very short time, sometimes just a few days. Injured or aggressive pets might not be kept until an owner can be found. There are many variables that are taken into account when our pets end up in city or county animal shelters.

Based on reports from all across the country it is clear that the number of animals in shelters has increased significantly and so has the number of animals being killed. Hopefully your efforts will get this pet home safe and sound.

If you need more assistance, feel free to contact us, and we will try to provide some more basic recommendations so you can help a stray pet and not be injured or even killed.