Found a Stray Dog or Cat? Here’s What to Do.

Not all cats or dogs that you find outside are stray. When you notice one, it can be difficult to identify if they are stray or not. Many of these animals can survive outdoors. They have exceptional outdoor survival skills. And when spayed or neutered, they can thrive and enjoy a contented life in their natural outdoor habitat. 

Some of them though are not old enough to be on their own. Others might be lost or have gotten away. So if you come across a cat or dog outside, here’s what you should do.

But First, Is It Friendly?

For you to help the cat or dog, you need to make sure that it’s friendly. Most of them might keep their distance and hide. A friendly animal will respond positively to human encounters. One good sign is that they will allow you to approach them. You can read more from Thailand dog on how to deal with stray cats or dogs. 

Give Water and Food

If you can, offer fresh water and food if you think that it needs to be fed. Take note though that if you notice that the dog or cat seems healthy, do not offer food right away. It may be a pet of someone else and may have dietary restrictions that you are not aware of. It is best to just offer water at this point. 

Move to a Safe Place

Make sure that you move the animal to a safe space. If you suspect that this is a lost pet, find a safe space for it. Cats or dogs might have rabies. So do not attempt to pick it up right away. Instead, use a live animal trap or lure it into a crate or carrier using treats or food. 

Check Social Media For Lost Pet Posts

You can check your local social media group pages for anyone who has posted a lost dog/cat announcement. You can look into local community message boards. If this is a lost pet, its owners will surely be looking for it.

Contact a Vet or Animal Shelter

It is important to get the animal checked. If you confirm that it’s a stray, bringing it to a vet or a local animal shelter can help. They will check for a microchip to help find its owner. These are the best places to bring a lost cat or dog.

If you have cats or dogs at home, getting them microchipped is very important. This will make it easier for you to find them if they are lost. They can also be brought back home to you once they are found by strangers. That is why if you spot a stray cat or dog, find ways to help.