Coming across a stray that needs help can pose challenges, especially if there is some hesitation about trying to find the animal’s owner. That said, it is important to keep in mind that just because an animal is injured, scared, or without identification does not mean that he/she has a “bad” home. The stray may have simply lost his/her identification or he/she might have been lost for a long time.
The first step in these circumstances is to check for a tag. If there is a tag, and the owner’s name is on it, call and arrange for a pickup. If the tag gives the name of a veterinarian’s clinic, call with the code number on the tag. If the animal has no tag, there may still be a way to identify the stray if he/she has been microchipped. A veterinarian or Mississippi Animal Rescue League, 601-969-1631, should be able to scan the pet for a microchip. Also, contact the local animal control officer for they may be able to scan the lost pet too.
Secondly, if the owners of the animal are looking for their pet, they will most likely start by calling or visiting animal shelters, so it is very important to notify local shelters. Also, the owner may contact their veterinarian or local animal control to let them know their pet is lost. Most veterinary clinics have bulletin boards where they will allow a flyer to be posted.
The following is a list of contact information for local shelters: Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) – 601-969-1631, Rankin County Animal Shelter – 601-824-2024, Community Animal Rescue and Adoptions (CARA) – 601-922-7575 and Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) – 769-216-3492.
Third, it is recommended to search through the lost-and-found ads in the local newspapers, Craigslist and NextDoor. Try placing an ad in the lost-and-found section (ask about a free ad). Another good strategy is to post flyers in the vicinity where the animal was found. A typical ad describes the type of animal, the location where he/she was found, their coloring and any other distinct characteristics of the animal. Also, find the mail carrier for that area; they tend to know where pets may live in the surrounding neighborhoods.
At this point, if the owner cannot be found and it is time to search for a new home, it is recommended to advertise as widely as possible, in as many places as possible. Creating a flyer is a great way to start. The information that should be posted on the flyer should include: a description of the animal’s appearance, as well as their name, their size and approximate age, a photograph, spay or neuter status, a description of any limitations/special needs the pet may have, e.g., not good with small children or cats and a contact phone number and optimal times to call.
Post the pet on adoption websites. There are general adoption websites, as well as specific sites for certain types of animals, e.g., FIV positive cats, disabled pets or senior pets. Also, sites such as Petfinder, petfinder.org, and Pet Bond, petbond.com, are good examples too.
Use any and all community contacts. Post a notice and photo on social media sites. Local the city or county's lost and found pet Facebook groups and post there as well.
For more information visit www.msspan.org or call 601-420-2438.
Mississippi Spay and Neuter (MS SPAN) – The Big Fix Clinic is located at 657 Hwy 49 South, Richland, MS, United States, 39218.
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