What to Do If You Find a Stray Dog or Cat in Bolton
Finding a stray dog or cat can be a worrying experience. You may want to help immediately, but it’s important to know what to do to keep the animal safe and give them the best chance of being reunited with their owner.
At Destitute Animal Shelter, we care for lost, stray and unwanted dogs and cats in Bolton. We understand how upsetting it can be to find an animal alone, particularly when you don’t know where they’ve come from or whether they have a family waiting for them.
If you’ve found a stray animal, here are some important steps to follow.
First, Make Sure the Animal Is Safe
Before approaching a stray animal, consider your own safety as well as theirs. A frightened or injured animal may behave differently from a pet that is comfortable around people.
Approach slowly and calmly, and avoid chasing or cornering them. If the animal appears aggressive, seriously injured or frightened, keep your distance and seek professional help.
If the animal is near a busy road, try to keep yourself safe while preventing them from running into traffic.
Check for Identification
If it is safe to do so, check whether the animal is wearing a collar or identification tag. This may provide an owner’s contact details and could allow them to be reunited quickly.
It’s also important to remember that not every pet will be wearing a collar or tag. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have an owner.
A microchip can provide another way of identifying a lost pet.
Have the Animal Scanned for a Microchip
If you are able to safely contain the animal, having them scanned for a microchip is one of the most important things you can do.
A microchip contains a unique identification number that can be linked to the owner’s registered details. If those details are up to date, the owner may be contacted and the animal could be returned home.
Many vets, animal shelters and other authorised organisations can scan animals for microchips.
Don't Assume They've Been Abandoned
A dog or cat that appears to be alone may simply have become lost.
They could have escaped from their garden, slipped out during a walk, become frightened by a loud noise or wandered further from home than usual.
This is why checking for identification and following the appropriate process is so important. Someone could be desperately searching for the animal you’ve found.
What If You Can't Find the Owner?
If you cannot identify the owner, you should contact the appropriate local authority or animal welfare organisation for advice about the next steps.
If the animal needs urgent veterinary attention, seek help from a vet as soon as possible.
Depending on the circumstances, the animal may need to be taken into the care of a suitable rescue centre or shelter while attempts are made to locate their owner.
At Destitute Animal Shelter, we are dedicated to caring for lost, stray and unwanted dogs and cats and helping animals get the care and second chance they deserve.
What About Stray Cats?
Cats can be slightly more complicated because a cat wandering outdoors isn’t necessarily a stray.
Many owned cats spend time outside and may visit several homes. A cat that appears to be friendly, healthy and well cared for could simply be exploring their neighbourhood.
If you find a cat that appears lost, look for identification and consider whether they may have an owner nearby before assuming they have been abandoned.
However, if a cat is injured, extremely unwell, very young, vulnerable or clearly in need of help, seek professional advice.
If the Animal Is Injured or in Immediate Danger
If you find an animal that is seriously injured or in immediate danger, their welfare should be your priority.
Do not put yourself at risk trying to handle an animal that is frightened or aggressive. Contact an appropriate animal welfare organisation or veterinary professional for advice.
Remember that frightened animals can react unpredictably, even if they would normally be friendly.
Helping Lost Animals Find Their Way Home
Finding a stray can be the beginning of a happy reunion. A microchip check, identification tag or simply reporting the animal to the right people could help bring a worried owner and their beloved pet back together.
If you live in Bolton and come across a lost, stray or unwanted dog or cat, please take the time to seek the appropriate advice rather than simply walking away.
At Destitute Animal Shelter, we believe every animal deserves care, compassion and the opportunity to find their way to a safe and loving home.
If you are concerned about an animal you’ve found, please contact the relevant local authority, animal welfare organisation or veterinary professional for guidance on the appropriate next steps.
