
How to Drop Off a Stray Animal at the Shelter
Finding a stray animal can be a distressing experience, both for you and the animal. Whether it’s a dog that has wandered into your yard or a cat you found hiding under your car, knowing how to safely and responsibly drop off a lost animal at a shelter is crucial. If you find a lost pet, that pet’s pet parent is waiting for them to come home, and it’s now up to you to make that happen!
This can be easier said than done, since most people don’t drop lost pets off at animal shelters every day (save for the incredible rescuers who dedicate their lives to helping lost animals!), so we’ve created a list of everything you should do in case you find yourself in such a situation.
This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to ensure the animal is safely taken to a shelter where it can be cared for and hopefully reunited with its owner.
Identifying a Lost Animal

Before taking any action, it’s important to determine if the animal is truly lost or stray. Here are some signs to look for:
– Appearance: Lost pets might look well-groomed but may also show signs of distress, such as matted fur or dirt. This can sometimes be circumstantial, as you never know how long a pet has been lost, so use your better judgment. Remember; it’s better to be safe than sorry!
– Behavior: Stray animals can be timid or overly friendly, depending on their past interactions with humans. A normally sociable pet might be scared or anxious when lost.
– Identification: Check for ID tags on the animal’s collar. If there are no visible tags, the animal might still be microchipped. Approaching the animal safely is crucial to avoid causing it stress or provoking a defensive reaction. Move slowly, speak softly, and avoid sudden movements. You want to show the pet that you mean no harm, and you’re only there to help them.
Safety Precautions
Ensuring your safety and the safety of the animal is paramount. Some lost pets get so scared that they can be overly defensive. If it seems like the animal is too aggressive to be caught, make sure you contact animal control or rescue who are specialized in catching and returning lost pets.
If the pet seems like they won’t harm you and you are able to catch them yourself, it’s still important to follow these precautions:
– Protect Yourself: Wear gloves to protect against bites or scratches, and use a leash for dogs or a carrier for cats if available.
– Assess the Animal: Look for any signs of aggression or fear. If the animal is showing signs of aggression, it may be best to contact animal control or a professional for help.
– Secure the Animal: Once you’ve determined it’s safe, use appropriate restraints. For dogs, a leash or makeshift leash from a belt or rope will work. For cats, use a cat carrier or a well-ventilated box. Be very careful; you don’t want to hurt the poor thing!
Finding the Nearest Animal Shelter or Rescue

Next, it’s time to find a shelter that will take good care of the animal until their pet parent can come pick them up. Follow these steps when trying to locate the nearest animal shelter or rescue organization:
– Research: Use online resources, such as Google or directories like PawBoost, to find local shelters.
– Contact Local Authorities: Animal control agencies can also direct you to the nearest facility.
– Shelter Policies: Some shelters might have specific policies or intake hours. Call ahead to confirm they can accept the animal and ask about their intake procedures.
Preparation for Drop-off
Before heading to the shelter, there are a few things you should prepare:
– Documentation: If possible, document where and when you found the animal. This information can be helpful for the shelter in finding the animal’s pet parent.
– Containment: Ensure the animal is securely contained for transport. For dogs, a leash, and for cats, a carrier are both essential.
– Comfort: Provide some comfort items like a blanket or towel, which can help reduce the animal’s stress during transport. Play soft, calming music and make sure to drive very carefully!
Transportation Tips
Transporting a lost animal requires careful planning to ensure its safety:
– Vehicle Preparation: Clear space in your vehicle to safely accommodate the animal. Avoid letting the animal roam freely in the car.
– Calm Environment: Keep the car quiet and calm. Avoid loud music or sudden movements.
– Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in the vehicle to keep the animal comfortable during the journey.
Arrival at the Shelter

Once you arrive at the shelter, follow these steps:
– Call Ahead: Inform the shelter of your arrival and follow any specific instructions they provide.
– Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the shelter’s guidelines for dropping off animals. This may include filling out paperwork or providing details about where and how the animal was found.
– Patience: Be patient and cooperative with the shelter staff as they may be handling multiple cases simultaneously.
After Dropping Off
After you’ve dropped off the animal, there are additional steps you can take to help:
– Follow Up: Keep in touch with the shelter to check on the status of the animal. This can also help in case the owner is looking for their pet.
– Share Information: Use social media and local community boards to share information about the found animal. This can increase the chances of reuniting the animal with its owner.
– Report to Lost & Found Websites: Post details about the found animal on lost and found pet websites, such as PawBoost, to reach a broader audience.
You’re Doing the Right Thing
Taking the time to ensure a lost animal is safely taken to a shelter is a compassionate and responsible act. By doing so, you’re providing the animal with the best chance of being reunited with its owner or finding a new home.
– Peace of Mind: Know that you are helping an animal in need and potentially reuniting it with its worried owner.
– Community Support: Your actions can inspire others in your community to act responsibly when they find a lost animal.

PawBoost Can Help Find Missing Pet Owners
PawBoost offers invaluable resources to help reunite lost pets with their owners:
– Alert Network: When you report a found animal, PawBoost sends alerts that are viewed by local pet lovers, shelters, and veterinarians alike.
– Social Media Outreach: PawBoost shares your found pet’s information on their social media pages, greatly increasing the chances of finding the owner.
– Lost & Found Database: The animal’s details are added to a searchable database, making it easier for owners to locate their missing pets.
By following this guide, you can safely and effectively drop off a lost animal at a shelter, ensuring that it receives the care it needs and stands the best chance of being reunited with its owner. Your efforts are crucial in supporting lost animals and their families, making a significant difference in their lives!