What to do with a stray pet

With more and more animals getting stolen, pet identification tags are a necessity. They help to identify a lost animal and hopefully to return the animal to their owner.

But how many people know what to do when they find a lost animal? Many may want to call the police; some would take the animal home; only a few would know to call their local animal shelter.

Different animals need different handling

Cats and dogs are different beasts. And the differences within the species could also present the Good Samaritan with some hair-raising scenarios. Be careful when trying to approach a lost dog. It’s a rare feral cat that will tolerate getting picked up by a human. Domesticated cats and dogs – especially ones with pet tags – are more likely to be friendly.

Do not try to chase the dog; instead, it would be best to call your local animal control.

Sometimes animal control knows better than you do

They’ve rescued more animals than you have so contact them when you see a stray dog wandering around. Makes notes of the animal’s characteristics: sex, breed, size, and colour. Where is the animal and is it moving into a different direction? Some animals may drift into a space that you can lock up until the animal control people arrive.

What now?

Check the animal to see whether there’s a pet tag that has its owner’s information. Phone the number on the identification tag. Animals without pet tags need a different tactic. Take the animal to an animal shelter. Animal shelters have their own rules so find out how long they’ll give the owner to claim the animal. Animal shelters often give owners 3 days to claim their lost pet and will allow you to adopt the pet after this period. Others may insist on putting up ‘found’ notices in the area first.

More tips that can help you and the animal

Try to keep a leash in your car or handbag whenever possible. Previously loved animals, on average, would be much friendlier than wild ones.

Author Bio:

Pet Tags wrote this article on pet tags to create awareness of what to do when confronted with stray animals.