What to Do If You Find a Stray Animal

Your step-by-step guide to safely helping lost pets find their way home.

You’re walking down the street, driving through town, or passing by a field—and there it is: a dog running loose, or a cat crouching in the bushes. They look scared, thin, and out of place.

If you find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone—and your compassion can make the difference between suffering and safety for that animal. But it’s important to take smart, safe, and legal steps to help.

Here’s what to do if you find a stray animal:

1. Approach Cautiously and Observe from a Distance

Not all strays are friendly, and many are frightened. Even the gentlest dog or cat can lash out if scared or injured.

What to look for:

Are they injured or limping?
Do they appear malnourished?
Are they wearing a collar or tags?
Are they acting aggressively or trying to flee?

Do not chase the animal—this can make them panic or run into traffic.

If the animal is calm:

Approach slowly, speaking softly.
Avoid direct eye contact (it can feel threatening).
Offer treats or food if available.

If the animal is aggressive or fearful:

Do not attempt to catch them.
Call your local animal control or a nearby rescue for assistance.

2. Secure the Animal Safely

If it’s safe and the animal seems friendly:

Use a leash, belt, or slip lead for dogs.
Gently guide cats or small dogs into a carrier, box, or safe enclosed space.

Make sure the animal is:

In a quiet, secure environment
Away from children and other pets
Given water and (if safe) a small amount of food

If you’re not able to hold the animal yourself, contact a local animal shelter or rescue to help with temporary housing.

3. Check for Identification

Look for:

ID tags with phone numbers or addresses
Microchip tags
Tattoos in the ear or inner thigh (rare, but sometimes used)

If a phone number is listed, call the owner and try to arrange a safe return.

4. Bring Them to a Vet or Shelter to Check for a Microchip

Even if there’s no visible ID, the animal might have a microchip—a tiny implant under the skin that contains contact information.

Most veterinary clinics and shelters can scan for free.
If a chip is found, they will contact the registered owner.

⏱️ This step is crucial—microchipping is the fastest way to reunite lost pets with their families.

5. Take Clear Photos and Share on Lost & Found Platforms

If no ID or microchip is found, your next step is to get the word out.

What to include:

Clear photo(s) of the animal
Time, date, and exact location where found
Notable features (collar color, size, breed guess)
Your contact info (or the shelter’s)

Post to:

Local Facebook groups (e.g., Lost Pets in [Your City])
Nextdoor
Craigslist “Lost and Found” section
Petfinder’s lost pet network
PawBoost.com or PetcoLoveLost.org

Call animal control and local shelters to file a found report—owners may have already called in looking for them.

6. Check Local Lost Pet Listings

Cross-check found listings against:

Lost pet flyers in your neighborhood
Online groups and forums
Shelter bulletin boards

Many owners are actively searching—your report may be the missing link.

7. Hold Temporarily or Transfer to a Shelter (If Legal)

If you choose to hold the animal:

Check your local laws—in some areas, you must report and turn over found animals to animal control within a certain timeframe.
Keep them safely separated from your own pets until they’ve been examined.
Continue sharing online and checking for owners daily.

If you cannot hold them:

Bring them to the local animal shelter or humane society, especially if they’re injured or frightened.
Shelters are often the first place owners check for lost pets.

Let them know you’re willing to foster if you can help—this frees up shelter space.

8. What If No Owner Comes Forward?

If the legal “stray hold period” (typically 3–10 days) passes and no owner is found, you may be able to:

Adopt the animal
Help rehome them through a rescue group
Continue fostering until a home is found

Your good deed could turn into a forever home—or a temporary safe haven while a rescue works on placement.

Important Reminders:

Never assume a stray is abandoned—many pets go missing unintentionally.
Do not immediately rehome or sell a found animal—you must follow your local laws and allow time for the owner to reclaim them.
Avoid posting exact location details publicly if you’re worried about people falsely claiming ownership.

Final Thoughts: Compassion with Care

Helping a stray animal is a generous and brave act—but it’s also one that should be done thoughtfully. By taking the right steps, you give that animal the best chance at reuniting with their family—or finding a new one.

Your decision to help could change a life.