What to do if you find a lost animal

If you come across a cat or dog that looks lost, here are three things you should do.

1. Use caution to catch and contain it. Approach the animal slowly and carefully, speaking in a calm, gentle voice. The best way to contain dogs is with a leash or inside a fenced yard. Cats should be put in a cat carrier, a secure box with air holes or in a room in your house. If the animal is behaving aggressively, don’t try to catch it: call animal control or the police right away.

2. Look for an ID. If the animal has an identification tag, you’ll be able to contact the owner immediately and arrange its return.

3. Contact a local animal shelter. If the animal doesn’t have an ID tag, take it to an animal shelter. The animal shelter will scan the animal for a microchip, which typically contains the owner’s contact information. Even if it doesn’t have a microchip, the animal has the best chance of being reunited with its owner at the animal shelter, as it’s the most obvious place to go looking for a lost pet.