What to do if you notice a lost dog, cat or other pet

How to act if you've found a lost pet.

Assess the animal's condition

First and foremost, remember about safety precautions. The animal you found may be sick with rabies. Do not rush to approach too closely or catch it manually.

Assess the behavior of the animal and its appearance from a distance.

In an animal sick with rabies:

• Dilated pupils;
• Restless, aggressive behavior;
• Increased salivation or foaming at the mouth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, move away from the animal at a safe distance and immediately inform the proper authorities.

Determine whether the found animal is a pet or a stray

Usually, domestic animals have collars, are approachable to people, and may have clues to their owner. Before taking the animal, ask local residents; perhaps, they know about this animal and its owner.

A clip in the ear indicates that the animal is neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and registered in a database of stray animals. Some dogs may have their own stable territory and a group adapted to street life.

Check for the presence of an ID tag, tattoo, or microchip

An ID tag is a token (sometimes a capsule with a piece of paper) with the animal's name and the owner's phone number. It is attached to the collar or a special cord. Is there an ID tag? Call the owner!

A tattoo is a tattoo on the animal's ear or groin, consisting of numbers and certifying that it is a purebred animal. By the tattoo number, you can find the contacts of the animal breeder through official structures that register purebred animals.

A microchip is a special capsule implanted under the animal's skin. It contains a code with information about the animal. You can check for the presence of a microchip at a veterinary clinic, having previously found out if the clinic has a chip scanner.

Check for lost pet announcements

Go to the website www.lafmap.com; Lafmap uses a map where all lost and found items and animals are marked. Look at the map for the area where the domestic pet was found and nearby areas. Perhaps the owner has already posted an announcement about their lost pet. If there is no such announcement, create your own announcement with a photo of the lost animal; this way, it will be easier for the owner to contact you.

Periodically check specialized groups on social networks and bulletin boards for publications about lost pets.

How to establish contact with a scared dog?

If you see a dog without an owner, wait; perhaps, the owner is already on the way. Try to establish contact with the animal while being cautious.

A frightened animal may react aggressively, so try to calm it down. Speak to it softly and gently, avoiding sudden movements. Offer food or water, but most importantly, show care and compassion.