Horace Nalle is the chairman of the board of the Atlanta Humane Society in Georgia. Horace Nalle works relentlessly to alleviate the stray population problems facing Atlanta, and serves as an advocate for the region’s homeless pets.
When a lost or homeless pet wanders into your life, it can be difficult to know how to help and where to start. Follow these steps to help an animal in need while you try to locate his or her owner.
1. Examine the animal to determine if medical care is necessary. If the pet is injured, seems sick, or is very malnourished, take it to your veterinarian immediately. Keep in mind that you will most likely be responsible for the bill, especially if the owner is not found.
2. Have the animal scanned for a microchip. If a chip is present, it may be very easy to contact the owner.
3. If the animal will be staying in your home while you search for the owner, make sure to keep it quarantined from other pets for the first week or so, to avoid spreading diseases or parasites. Provide appropriate food, water, and toys.
4. Make found pet posters. Put them up around your city, keeping in mind that lost pets sometimes travel miles from their home. Most veterinarians, shelters, and pet stores have boards to place such posters inside.
5. If an owner does not turn up, you will need to decide whether you can add the pet to your family or not. If you cannot give the pet long-term care, your local Humane Society can help find him or her a permanent home.
When a lost or homeless pet wanders into your life, it can be difficult to know how to help and where to start. Follow these steps to help an animal in need while you try to locate his or her owner.
1. Examine the animal to determine if medical care is necessary. If the pet is injured, seems sick, or is very malnourished, take it to your veterinarian immediately. Keep in mind that you will most likely be responsible for the bill, especially if the owner is not found.
2. Have the animal scanned for a microchip. If a chip is present, it may be very easy to contact the owner.
3. If the animal will be staying in your home while you search for the owner, make sure to keep it quarantined from other pets for the first week or so, to avoid spreading diseases or parasites. Provide appropriate food, water, and toys.
4. Make found pet posters. Put them up around your city, keeping in mind that lost pets sometimes travel miles from their home. Most veterinarians, shelters, and pet stores have boards to place such posters inside.
5. If an owner does not turn up, you will need to decide whether you can add the pet to your family or not. If you cannot give the pet long-term care, your local Humane Society can help find him or her a permanent home.