By Jennifer Tran

Stray animals are seen every day roaming the streets. The question is, should you stop to help or continue driving? Some of these animals do have good homes and are legitimately lost. Others know where their home is and are just out roaming, while others have been abandoned by a cruel owner.

• Don’t get bit. If you decide to stop and help, be prepared. Not all animals are friendly. If injured, even animals that you know may bite. It is important to be especially careful when handling a stray. The vaccination status is unknown and there is an increased risk of rabies and infection.

• Keep the animal isolated. It’s important to keep a stray animal away from other animals. There is a risk of exposing pets at home to parasites, parvo, distemper and a host of other infectious diseases.

• Many animals are micro-chipped. Ask a veterinarian or animal control office to scan the stray for a micro-chip. This chip can help reunite the lost pet with the original owner.

• Check the internet. There are many internet sites that list lost or missing pets.

• Taking the animal home. This abandoned pet may not have been abandoned, it may be lost and the owner may be looking for it. Before you decide to keep the animal, be sure to post signs in the area in which you found the stray. Check for newspapers that run “lost and found” ads for free.

• Veterinary visit. It’s probably a good idea to take the stray animal for a veterinary checkup before taking it home. The visit should include an exam, fecal test for parasites, vaccinations and a heart worm test. You may also ask about flea treatments.

• Make sure your pet is protected. Pets at home should be protected before bringing any stray animal home. They should be current on vaccinations and using a heart worm preventative that includes intestinal parasite control and a veterinarian recommended flea control.

Remember, lost and abandoned pets need our help. Ask the local Humane Society, animal control office or shelter about volunteer opportunities. Many facilities are in great need of foster homes.

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