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To an animal lover finding a stray pet is heartbreaking. What do you do if you find yourself in such a situation?

First, determine if the pet is lost and the owner is looking for it. Is the pet wearing tags? If not, check local lost and found ads. You can find these in your local newspaper and in some online bulletin boards. Consider placing a "found" ad and posting "found" flyers around your community. This will involve a commitment of some time on your part, especially if you wait on responses.

People call their veterinarians when a pet is lost, so don't forget to check there. Some veterinarians implant tracking micro-chips in pets for this very purpose. Also, check local shelters because owners looking for lost pets may check there.

If no one steps forward to claim your houseguest, it's decision time. Determine if the arrival on you door step is a proper fit for your family. If not, there are many loving homes and rescue organizations that will joyfully welcome two big soft, loving eyes into their family.

If the pet is truly homeless and you consider yourself a good candidate for parenthood, the next thing to do is have the new addition checked out by the veterinarian. This will insure there are no underlying or hidden health concerns. If there are problems, the vet will help you get a head start addressing them. He can also recommend a good nutrition plan for your new companion and begin their yearly vaccinations.

I can't emphasize how important this phase is. Several years ago there was a little female stray that showed up at my door. We had just adopted a puppy, so I called my sister. She came by, opened her heart and as soon as she could took the stray to the vet. She found out the puppy had mange! Immediate treatment was started and the puppy grew into a fine pet.

Don't forget to supply the new family member with some "creature comforts". A warm bed, grooming accessories, food and water bowls and yes, even toys would fall into this category.

Finally, please consider having your pet spayed or neutered to help prevent further homeless pets.

Learn more about this author, Beverly Hicks Burch.
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