Stray intake steps for found animals

Step 1: Talk to the finder

• Thank the finder, and ask when and where they found the animal. Write down the cross streets or landmark in their words.
• Ask what happened between finding and arrival: where the animal was kept, what it was fed, and whether it was seen by anyone else.
• Ask if the finder wants to be contacted if an owner comes forward, and record the best number.
• Ask whether the finder wants to be considered as an adopter if the animal is not claimed, and record the answer without promising anything.

Found location and time

Finder contact

Step 2: Scan, photograph, and describe

• Scan for a microchip, and record the result and the scanner used.
• Take clear photos from the front, side, and of any distinctive marks or items on the animal.
• Write a plain description: species, size, coat, and anything that would help an owner recognize the animal.
• Leave out one identifying detail from the public description so you can ask a claimant to supply it.

Microchip result

Detail kept back

Step 3: Record and house

• Create the intake record with a stray status and the date.
• Record the holding period that applies where you work, who confirmed it, and the date it ends.
• Make sure the animal is housed and checked, and that someone owns the first welfare check.
• Hand anything medical to the people qualified to assess it, and record that you did.

Status and date

Hold ends

Step 4: Open the search path for the owner

• Check your own lost reports and any local lost-and-found pages or groups you use.
• Publish the found report with the photo and general location, and not the full address.
• Tell the front desk and phones team that the animal is here, with the photo.
• Decide who reviews new lost reports and how often.

Lost reports checked

Found report published

Step 5: Handle a claim

• Ask the claimant to describe the animal and supply the detail you kept back, before showing any photo.
• Ask for the kind of proof your organization accepts, such as records, photos, or a chip registration.
• Have a second staff member review before the animal is released.
• Record who claimed the animal, what was shown, and who approved the release.

Proof accepted

Release approved by

Step 6: If no one claims the animal

• Record the date the hold ended and what happens next under your policy.
• Move the animal into your normal intake and adoption review, and bring the full record along.
• Keep the finder informed according to what you agreed with them.

Next path

Finder updated on