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In my neighborhood, I am considered the dog lady. Whenever there is a stray dog running the street I have no other choice but to stop and try to help this poor creature. It has gotten to the point that the majority of the time if one of my neighbors finds a stray dog, they just bring it over and drop it off. I just can't say no. From my own personal experience, I have learned a lot about adopting stray pets.

1. Legally speaking, a stray animal can not be adopted by another person until all actions are taken to find its previous owner. This includes contacting local animal control, posting flyers, listing animal on Internet lost and found sections, listing in the newspaper lost and found, and contacting local vets. All these avenues are not required by law but are recommended. Also, there is usually a time frame that you must actively seek the previous owners. I believe in my State it is 30 days. The law considers animals property and; therefore, it is considered stealing if you find a stray dog and keep it without looking for the owners. It is in your best interest to keep documentation to show that you did try. I believe in Virginia they are trying to pass or have already pass a bill where it will be considered a felony for taking a dog and a misdemeanor for a cat. You can check the laws in your State by calling the local animal control.

2. Before introducing this stray to your family, it is an excellent idea to take the pet to the vet to have a wellness check. Not only can the vet determine if the stray is healthy but can also check to see if they have a microchip that can be used to track down the previous owner.

3. If you get the all clear from the vet it is still a good idea to keep the new pet in a quarantine for about two weeks. An animal may not be showing symptoms of different diseases, such as parvo, at the time you go to the vets. This is definitely not something that you would want to pass on to your own pets. Also, stray animals tend not to show their true nature and temperament around new families until they have adjusted. They just need a little time. This will give you an opportunity to decide if they will fit into the family that you have.

4. Especially in the case of dogs, when it is time to introduce them to the dogs that you already have, make sure everyone is on a leash and under control. If you have more than one dog, try introducing them one at time to the new member in a neutral place such as the front yard. Be prepared for some bickering

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