Finding A Lost Pet
What to do when you find a stray animal
It is likely that at some point we have all come across a dog or a cat roaming the streets alone. When this happens it is safe to assume that most people are not sure what to do. Is it best to just ignore them? Should you take the animal into your home? Who do you call? The following information will help lead you in the right direction.
Animal Control is your first stop
Every city or town in the State of Rhode Island has at least an Animal Control Officer and most have an Animal Control facility. These officers are employed by the city or town and provide an essential service to the community. One of the many functions of animal control is to keep stray animals safe from harm. They have the resources to go out in their communities to pick up and provide medical attention if necessary.. Animal Control is also the place first place an owner should contact when they have lost a pet.
PARL is here to help.
You may ask, what is PARL’s function concerning strays? PARL is a private non-profit organization that assists owners that can no longer care for their animals by providing surrender and adoption services. We take in and provide compassionate care to over 2,000 animals per year. Unlike Animal Control facilities, PARL does not receive any city or state funding to operate. Yet, although PARL is not obligated to assist our state’s Animal Control facilities, we still choose to open our doors and provide services and resources to stray animals and the people that find them.
How can PARL assist you when you find a stray animal?
Proper Contact Information
When a stray animal is found the first contact should be to the Animal Control Officer in the town or city that the animal is found. They will be the closest resource and also the first place a person looking for that animal will check. PARL maintains a current list of contact information for all the Animal Control Officers and facilities throughout RI. We can provide you with the proper contact number or even make the call for you if you need to report a stray. It’s important to note that if you need to report an animal after the hours that the Animal Control facility is closed, you can call the Police Department directly. There should be an on-call officer available to assist the animal in need.
Lost Pet Database
PARL maintains a database of Lost Pet Reports. When you find a stray and call PARL we can search our database to see if someone has reported that animal missing and provide you with the owner’s contact information.
PARL’s Doors Are Open to you
Although PARL does not have services to pick up stray animals in our community, we are here if you are unable to get in contact with Animal Control. PARL will accept the animal and keep them safe if they are brought to our shelter. We will then contact the appropriate Animal Control Officer to inform them that the animal is at PARL.
A humane community is everyone’s responsibility.
Here at PARL we believe that the most effective way to help animals is to develop a humane community. That is why we will do all we can to assist our local Animal Control officers as well as the good Samaritans in our community that take time out of their day to help an animal in need.
What to do when you have lost your pet
The best way to ensure that a lost pet finds their way home is to have some form of identification on the pet at all times. A collar and tag with your direct contact information is the most effective way for your pet to find their way home. You should also consider “back-up” methods such as a microchip or tattoo.
If a pet does go missing:
- Go out and look for the animal. The sooner the better.
- Contact friends & family to help with your search.
- Make posters with the pets’ picture.
- Every few days, call your state and local police stations and the animal control offices in your area. Contact your local animal shelters & humane societies, animal rescue groups, veterinarians, pet stores, animal service businesses, pet stores, kennels, pet sitters & dog walkers, dog trainers, park workers, local city Public Works department (DPW) and state highway departments.
- Register your animal on Lost & Found Animal Websites
- Contact tattoo registries
- Set up humane live traps. Traps are available from many tool rental businesses
- Check lost & found classifieds in newspapers
- Organize search parties
- Visit local shelters & pounds daily
- Provide a contact number reachable at all hours (i.e. cell phone or answering machine)
If you find your lost pet, remember to take down flyers, update websites, and call people to let them know you've found your lost pet.
