When You Find A Stray

What to do when you find a stray animal…

You are driving down the road and you spot an animal. You can tell it is alone and scared. Or a stray has found its way to your home and you want to help it.

The first approach:

Prepared to rescue - If you are the type of person who helps any strays you come across than equip yourself with things that will help you do the very best job.
-You should have in your car at all times a cat carrier or cardboard box, a blanket, water bowls, and water, a strong smelling food item and a animal first aid kit. Also have a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic(s) number.

Safety first - If you become injured you can't be of any assistance to the animal.
Use caution when pulling your car over and be sure to turn on your hazard lights
Once you stopped. Observe your surroundings, and high traffic areas.

Safety of the animal - Remember the animal may be frightened or injured and may behave aggressively and unpredictably. Any sudden move on your part could cause the animal to run right into traffic.

Restraining the animal - Create a barrier or use a carrier, leash or piece of cloth or rope to keep the anima from leaving the immediate area. Remain calm. Walk slowly towards the animal. If you may be scratched or bitten be prepared to obtain treatment for any wound. If the animal is injured take it to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately. You have now assumed financial responsibility for any treatment rendered. Some veterinarians will work with you if you are rescuing an animal. Don't assume the treatment will be free of charge.

In All Cases

. Check for a collar and tag. If the animal has a tag call the phone number on it and contact the owner immediately to let them know their animal has been found.

. If the animal doesn't have a tag, take it to a veterinary clinic (if not then the humane society or the animal service may be able to scan for a microchip) to have it scanned for a microchip. This is the most effective way for pets to be reunited with their owners.

. If there is no tag on the collar, it is important that you do every thing you can to find the owner before even thinking of taking it to animal service, where it will have very little chance of being found and may be euthanized before the owner can locate it. With that said. Don't assume its owner is irresponsible. Accidents can happen to anyone. You owe it to the pet and the owner who may be frantically looking everywhere for their pet. Help make a sincere attempt to locate the owner.

What to do:

. Post flyers around the area where the animal was found.
- High volume locations in and around the area where you found the animal.
- Gas stations, fast food restaurants and convenience and grocery stores.
- Along the roadside where traffic is slow or stops completely
- Laundromats, community centers, bulletin boards wherever you can find them.
- Pet supply stores
- Hair salons
- Churches
- Dog Grooming shops
- Any others that will permit your sign

. Contact local newspapers to place a free classified ad with a description of the animal.
- Check the lost ads in newspapers as well.
- Post a picture and description of the animal on Internet lost and found sites.
- These are a few sites you can use there are many more: www.petfinder.org.. www.lostpetfoundpet.com ..www.1888pets911.org
- If possible to wait at least 2 weeks for the owner to claim the animal

If all else fails, contact a local rescue group to see if they can help you. Most groups are limited by the number of foster homes they have. If you or someone you know can foster the animal until a permanent home can be found, it will help the groups a great deal.

Thank you for you kindness to the lost and hurting animals.

Love, Licks and Kisses

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