Rhonda B.
2 weeks ago
Thank you for rescuing this fur baby! I'm involved with lost pet rescue and just so you know, I respond to hundreds of lost and found pet posts every month to offer some help, so can't customize this for every situation. If you already know about these steps or have done them, please just disregard:
Firstly, please don't ever assume that an animal has been dumped by its family. Pets are often stolen during car thefts, by nasty neighbors and vindictive exes and roommates, then driven miles from home and dumped. A vet or shelter will scan for a microchip free of charge. Also, please post on other lost and found sites and your neighborhood social media site. You can also check with vets, shelters, and animal control in the area to see if this pet has been reported missing. Some people, especially the elderly, don't know how to go online to search for lost pets, so some big neon posters in the area would be helpful. If the family does come forward, please be sure they have pics and vet records to prove ownership. If you cannot take care of the pet until the owner is found, please turn it over to the nearest licensed shelter. Most owners check with local shelters for lost pets. Also, as of 2021, it is illegal for Colorado PACFA licensed shelters to euthanize healthy or treatable pets. I know this, because I was involved in getting that legislation passed. They'll be cared for and if the owners don't come forward, they will find a good home for it.
Also, just a friendly FYI: Pets are considered personal property. If a person shelters a stray, they must actively search for it's owners and cannot give or sell it to another, or it could be considered theft. Also, please don't even give a pet to someone you don't know who offers to foster while they find the family. Although there are some very good-hearted people out there, there are also some very evil ones, who use strays and free pets for very nefarious reasons, including dog fighting bait. Unfortunately, they really know how to con people. Only a licensed rescue or shelter can put a pet up for adoption. Individuals who keep a stray can only file a legal claim for ownership due to abandonment after 5 yrs.
Thanks again! ❤
