What to Do When You Find a Stray Animal
Foster Homes Needed
If you have found an animal but can act as foster home until the shelter can take them in, please learn about our foster program.
Here are some important steps to follow when you find a stray:
- Be cautious and safe. The animal may be frightened or disoriented and may therefore act aggressive.
- To prevent possible injuries and avoid potential tension, keep the animal separate from your own pets.
- Look for identification such as ear tattoos, collars with embroidered names,tags, microchipping tags, and rabies tags.
- Don’t give up just because a rabies tag or license is outdated. Counties and shelters keep records for several years.
- Call your local animal shelters. Often, an owner will have already called around to see if anyone has turned in a lost pet.
- Call area vets. The owner may have reported the pet missing.
- Contact your neighbors. They may have seen the animal before or know where it belongs.
- Call your local newspapers. Many permit free advertising in the “lost pet” section.
- If possible, take a photo of the animal and post copies in grocery stores, on telephone poles, in restaurants, etc.
- Use some ingenuity! Remember, the key is to get the information out there!
If, in spite of your best efforts, the owner cannot be found, you need to decide your next step. Are you in a position to add another pet to your home? Do you have a responsible friend or co-worker interested in adopting the animal? If you decide that this animal should be placed in a shelter for adoption, call Delaware Humane and schedule an intake assessment appointment. For more details, please read DHA's Animal Intake & Assessment Policy.
