by Pat Gray

Created on: December 24, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

The first step to caring for a stray is to determine what type of stray you are dealing with. Is it the neighbor's cat who is out shopping for a new home? Have you found a dog with tags who may have gone walkabouts when a gate was accidentally left open? Is it a dog who's been dropped off on your quiet country road, who's in real need of a new home? Is it a feral cat who has spotted a goodie in your trash and has decided to hang around for more handouts?

The neighbor's cat (or dog)

If you have a visitor who already has a home next door or around the corner, simply returning the animal may be sufficient to prevent future straying, and some gentle concern from you about the animal's welfare may encourage your neighbor to mend the fence or to keep their critter indoors.

Unfortunately, many people assume allowing their animals to roam the neighborhood is acceptable behavior. If you have a regular animal visitor, contacting animal control or a local rescue group may be in order - just confiscating the animal without following proper procedure can get you in trouble with the law. If you're worried, quite rightly, about an animal going to "the pound", most facilities have a "friends of" group, who will monitor the animal's progress through the system. If the cat or dog is not claimed by the owner, the animal may go to a rescue group or be put up for adoption at the shelter, or you could adopt them yourself.

If the owner does claim their pet, a trip to animal control to retrieve their "stray" may encourage them to become a more responsible neighbor and guardian.

The lost critter

Cats and dogs do get lost - a gate or door is left open, a leash breaks, and of course some animals are escape artists who will sneak out of even the most secure facility. Checking tags and calling an owner, or making a trip to the local vet to have the animal scanned for a microchip is a kind and generous thing to do for both pet and their guardian, and a joyous reunion is a great reward.

If there is no identification, contact local veterinarians, humane societies and animal control with your contact information and a description of the animal. Check the "lost pet" section in the want ads and on Craig's list. Posting found cat/dog notices in the area may be effective too. Open your heart and your home, and care for the animal with food, water and shelter until the owner can be found.

Note: Do use caution when you're contacted by the "owner" - make the person identify the animal to ensure they're

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