So You Found A Stray, Now What?
Unfortunately, in our valley, we have a lot of dogs that are off-leash and roaming the streets and we don’t know if they are lost, abandoned, or let out for a walk. Either way, in California, no dog may “run at large” in public areas. They must be on a leash. If you found a stray and want to help rescue it, we applaud you. Here are some steps you should be aware of;
01. Is the stray injured or aggressive?
If you have an injured or aggressive lost pet, please contact Animal Services at 951-358-PETS (7387) for assistance immediately. Please note: After-hour dispatchers are available for emergencies only. If you found a lost pet, it is not an emergency. Emergency calls should be made for injured, aggressive, sick and suffering, or animals obstructing traffic.
02. Is the stray friendly?
If you are able to rescue the dog, the first thing to do is check to see if they have a microchip or tags so the owner can be found. California law states that all pet owners must microchip their pets but that doesn’t mean that all pet owners do. To read a microchip, you must bring the dog or cat to a participating vet, shelter or rescue and they will check for a chip free of charge.
Participating Locations
- Palm Springs Animal Shelter
- Coachella Valley Animal Campus
- Animal Samaritans
- Loving All Animals
- Valley Animal Medical Center & Emergency Hospital
Indio (Call before you go. They don’t always scan.) - The Animal Rescue Center Of California
03. The stray does not have a microchip.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t an owner. Next, you need to post on social media and make signs. Make sure you have 2-3 good pictures of the stray so they are identifiable. Include information such as; where and when you found the stray, male or female, breed, size, neutered/spayed, personality, how long you can keep the stray and your contact information. Hang signs near the area you found the stray and post on the following websites;
- Lost & Found Pets In The Coachella Valley, https://www.facebook.com/groups/397178493727828
- Next Door, https://nextdoor.com/
- Pawboost, https://www.pawboost.com/
- Petco Love Lost, https://lost.petcolove.org/
- 24Pet Connect, https://24petconnect.com/
- You can also call Animal Control to see if any one has reported a missing dog, 951-358-PETS (7387)
04. No one has claimed the stray.
You’ve gone through all the steps to try and find the owner but no one has stepped forward and now, you have an unexpected dog in your care and you cannot keep it. You also cannot leave it on the street. Where can you turn for help? Below is a list of local shelters and rescues. Start with this list. Know that most shelters in California are overcrowded and you may get turned down frequently. Don’t give up.
No-Kill Shelters
05. Is the stray injured or aggressive?
If you have an injured or aggressive lost pet, please contact Animal Services at 951-358-PETS (7387) for assistance immediately. Please note: After-hour dispatchers are available for emergencies only. If you found a lost pet, it is not an emergency. Emergency calls should be made for injured, aggressive, sick and suffering, or animals obstructing traffic.
06. Is the stray friendly?
If you are able to rescue the dog, the first thing to do is check to see if they have a microchip or tags so the owner can be found. California law states that all pet owners must microchip their pets but that doesn’t mean that all pet owners do. To read a microchip, you must bring the dog or cat to a participating vet, shelter or rescue and they will check for a chip free of charge.
Participating Locations
- Palm Springs Animal Shelter
- Coachella Valley Animal Campus
- Animal Samaritans
- Loving All Animals
- Valley Animal Medical Center & Emergency Hospital
Indio (Call before you go. They don’t always scan.) - The Animal Rescue Center Of California