The First Steps to Take When You Find a Stray Pet

 Assess the Situation Carefully

The first thing you should do when you spot a stray pet is to stay calm. I know it’s tempting to rush to the animal’s side immediately, but it's important to assess the situation first. Take a moment to look around and understand the environment. Is the pet in an area where it’s at risk of traffic or other dangers? If so, make sure to act quickly but safely. If the pet appears to be in immediate danger, like being near a busy road, try to carefully move it to a safer spot.

Also, pay attention to its body language. Does it seem scared, hungry, or injured? You don’t want to rush into an interaction if the animal seems aggressive or scared. Approach it slowly and cautiously to avoid causing it more stress.

Approach the Stray Animal Gently

If the pet seems approachable, try to approach it slowly and calmly. If the animal looks frightened or aggressive, it’s best to maintain some distance until you can assess its comfort level. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises, as these might further scare the animal.

Remember, many strays have had bad experiences with humans, so they may not trust you right away. Speak softly to the pet, letting it know you’re there to help. It might take a little while for the animal to warm up to you, so be patient.

You may want to offer it food or water, but be cautious. Some stray animals, especially those that are hungry or thirsty, may become possessive over food and act aggressively in response. Always approach cautiously and never force the animal to take anything from you.

Check for Identification

Once you've safely approached the animal and it seems calm, try to check for any form of identification. This might include a collar with an ID tag or a microchip. If the animal is wearing a collar, gently read the information, but be sure to move carefully so as not to startle the pet.

If the animal has a collar with an ID tag, take note of the contact details. You should call the owner immediately to report that you've found their pet. If there’s no collar or tag, don’t panic just yet. Many stray pets are not wearing one, so it’s still possible that the animal has a home.

In case of a microchip, you’ll need to take the animal to a vet or animal shelter to get it scanned. Most vets will do this service for free. A microchip is a small device embedded under the skin, and it can help you track down the pet’s owner. The microchip number will be linked to the owner's contact information in a database.

Provide Food and Water

Whether the animal has a collar or not, it's very likely that it’s hungry and thirsty. Strays often face difficult situations and may have been without food and water for days. It’s always a kind gesture to offer the animal something to eat and drink, but be sure to keep an eye on how it reacts. If it’s particularly emaciated, be cautious not to overfeed it all at once. Offering small portions of food and fresh water is a good place to start.

If you’re unsure what type of food to offer, stick to simple, non-toxic options. Dry or wet pet food is ideal, but in the absence of that, plain cooked chicken or turkey (without seasoning) can help a lot. Avoid feeding it chocolate, onions, garlic, or grapes, as these are toxic to pets.

Take the Pet to a Veterinarian

Once you’ve provided some immediate comfort to the animal, your next priority should be to take it to a veterinarian. Even if the pet seems healthy, it’s important to have a professional evaluate its condition. Stray animals can carry diseases or parasites, so a check-up is a must.

The vet will examine the animal for any health issues and assess its vaccination status. This is especially important if the animal appears malnourished or injured. The vet will also scan for a microchip if this hasn’t already been done, which could help identify the pet's owner.

If the animal is sick or injured, the vet will be able to offer medical treatment or suggest the next steps. They may also help you with the process of finding the pet’s original home, should that be possible.

Contact Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

If no identification is found, and the pet seems lost or abandoned, it’s time to reach out to animal shelters and rescue organizations. They can help with finding the pet’s owner or provide a safe place for the pet while efforts are made to locate its family.

Many local shelters will accept strays, and some may even have a lost-and-found service that could connect you with a potential owner. It’s also a good idea to post about the stray on social media, in local community groups, and on lost pet websites. Include a photo and any relevant details you can provide.

When contacting animal shelters or rescue groups, provide as much information as possible about the pet, including its breed, size, color, age, and any distinctive markings. This information will make it easier for them to assist in the search for the owner.

Consider Fostering or Adopting the Stray Pet

If no one comes forward to claim the pet, and you feel comfortable with the idea, you might consider fostering or adopting the animal. Many people who find strays end up giving them a forever home. But, before making this decision, ensure that you’re fully prepared to care for a pet.

Fostering can also be an option if you’re unsure about long-term commitment. You can provide temporary care while working with a shelter or rescue group to find the pet a permanent home. Either way, your decision to take the stray into your care could save its life and offer it the love and attention it deserves.

Keep Your Environment Safe and Secure

Lastly, after you’ve either found the pet a new home or returned it to its owner, remember to keep your environment safe. If you have pets of your own, make sure they are properly introduced to the stray pet, especially if you plan on adopting. It’s important to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved.

Ensure that your own pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations to prevent any potential health issues. Introduce new pets slowly and keep them separated at first to reduce stress and allow them to acclimate to each other.

QnA Section

Q: What should I do if I can’t catch the stray pet right away?

Ans) Don’t panic! Try to keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance, and take note of its location. You can try to lure it in with food or a calming voice. If the pet is too frightened, it might take some time for it to trust you. Reach out to local animal shelters for advice on how to approach the situation.

Q: How do I know if a stray pet is dangerous?

Ans) It’s always best to approach a stray cautiously. Look for signs that the pet might be aggressive, such as growling, barking aggressively, hissing, or showing teeth. If it seems fearful or defensive, it’s safer to keep your distance. In these cases, it’s helpful to call animal control or a rescue group for guidance.

Q: What if the stray pet is injured and needs immediate medical attention?

Ans) If the pet is injured and needs immediate help, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact an emergency vet or animal control to get the animal to the proper care. If you're able to transport it safely, do so carefully to avoid causing more pain or distress.

Q: Should I take the stray to my own home if I find it?

Ans) It’s best to ensure the animal is safe first and assess its health before bringing it into your home. If you’re unsure, contacting an animal shelter or rescue group is a great way to get professional advice. If you decide to foster or adopt, be sure you’re fully prepared for the responsibility.

Q: How long should I wait before considering the stray pet as abandoned?

Ans) If you can’t find any identification and no one comes forward to claim the pet after a few days, it might be safe to assume the pet is abandoned. However, always contact local shelters and post about the pet to maximize the chances of finding its owner. Some pets may be lost and not abandoned at all.