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So you have found a stray animal, and you really like him. He has no ID tags, but he is very sweet, and you have decide you want to keep him. What do you do?

Food:
The animal is most likely hungry from being out on the streets. Fix a bowl of food and a bowl of water for him. Make sure you give him adequate water as he may be dehydrated. If you do not have the proper food at home, you should probably go to the store and grab a couple cans of food, and a small bag of dry food.

Evaluate the situation:
Determine the health of the animal. Does he look in need of immediate medical attention? If so, take him to the vet immediately. If not, schedule an appointment for a few days later. Also, with your plans to keep him, have you thought about whether or not you have the right environment for him? How big is he? Is he too big for the space you have at home? Does he have a lot of energy? Will you have the time to deal with all of that energy? Remember, just because he is cute and sweet doesn't mean that is all that matters. You certainly do not want him to get comfortable and then be moved again. So evaluating the situation helps to determine if being with you is the right thing for him.

A Stray or Just Lost?
Place ads in your local paper, and call all animal shelters in your area to be sure that someone isn't looking for this pet. Leave your name and number with the shelters and ask them to give you a call if anyone comes in asking for a pet of his description.

The Vet:
At your appointment with the vet, talk to him about the animal. Find out if the animal is in good health, or if he needs any medical treatment. This will also need to be a deciding factor in whether or not you keep him. Do you have the funds to take care of any ailments he may have? It's heartbreaking I know, but you have to think of how this will affect you. If you do not have the funds to take care of him completely, then you will be hurting both yourself and the animal. So be sure you can take care of him completely. Be sure to get the necessary shots/vaccinations. You will also need to get him a collar and ID tags.

Home Life:
Now that you have made the decision to keep him, you will need to get the necessary items and training for home. If the pet is not potty trained (meaning it either asks to go outside to "go", or knows how to use a litter box) try to train him. Make sure that you get the proper pet food (you may wish to ask you vet which would be best), and have a designated area for the pet to eat so that he learns where he can and cannot have food. You will also need to have a comfortable place for the pet to sleep. You will want to get some kind of flea and tick control for your pet as well.

Oh, and remember to "get your pet spayed or neutered!"

Finding an animal on the streets and taking it in may be a slightly difficult task, but you can do it! Just follow these tips, and take the necessary action.

Learn more about this author, Renee' Palmer.
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