Stay calm. Help them get home.

Finding a stray animal can be upsetting, and many people want to help immediately. However, it is important to make sure both you and the animal remain safe while taking the correct steps to help them get home or receive appropriate care.

Stay Calm and Approach Carefully

Stray animals are often frightened, injured, or disoriented. Even friendly pets may react unpredictably when stressed. When approaching an animal:

• Move slowly and calmly

• Avoid loud noises or sudden movements

• Do not chase the animal

• Keep children and other pets at a safe distance

• Use caution if the animal appears injured or frightened

If the animal is aggressive, seriously injured, or posing a danger to traffic or the public, contact the appropriate authorities or a veterinary professional immediately.

Check for Identification

If it is safe to do so, check whether the animal has:

• A collar with contact details

• An ID tag

• A harness with identifying information

Many lost pets are reunited quickly through visible identification alone.

Arrange for a Microchip Scan

Most veterinary practices will scan stray cats and dogs for a microchip free of charge. Local councils, rescue organisations, and some pet shops may also offer scanning services. Microchips can help reunite pets with their owners quickly, provided the owner’s contact information is kept up to date.

Reporting a Stray Dog

If you cannot contact the owner, report a stray dog promptly to the local council dog warden service. Do not delay reporting while arranging a microchip scan. Councils are responsible for dealing with stray dogs found in public places.

If possible:

• Report where and when the dog was found

• Provide a description and photographs

• Mention whether the dog appears injured or unwell

Some rescue organisations may be able to assist after the appropriate stray procedures have been followed.

What About Stray Cats?

Cats are often allowed to roam outdoors, so not every unfamiliar cat is stray or abandoned. Before assuming a cat is homeless, consider:

• Whether the cat appears healthy and well-fed

• If it regularly returns to the same area

• Whether neighbours recognise it

If you are concerned:

• Check for identification

• Arrange a microchip scan

• Post responsibly in local lost-and-found pet groups

• Speak to nearby residents

Kittens, injured cats, or cats appearing severely underweight or distressed may require more urgent intervention.

Providing Temporary Care

If you are able to safely contain the animal temporarily:

• Provide fresh water

• Offer a quiet, secure space away from other pets

• Avoid giving unfamiliar food immediately if the animal appears unwell

• Do not allow close contact with your own pets until veterinary advice has been sought

Remember that stray animals may carry parasites or infectious illnesses.

Avoid Keeping the Animal Without Following Proper Procedures

Even if an animal appears abandoned, owners may still be desperately searching for them. Always make reasonable efforts to locate the owner through the proper channels before considering long-term arrangements.

Need Advice?

If you are unsure what to do after finding a stray animal, contact Carla Lane Animals in Need for guidance. We understand that every situation is different and will do our best to help direct you towards the appropriate support or services.

We are here to help

If you need advice about caring for your animal, speak to Carla Lane Animals in Need. For an urgent health concern, contact a vet promptly.

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