What To Do If You Find A Stray Animal
Be ready to rescue. Think about your safety first, then consider the safety of the animal and don’t assume you are dealing with an irresponsible owner. If possible, restrain the animal. Use caution when approaching an unknown animal. When approaching the animal, speak calmly to reassure him. Try to lure the animal into your car or a confined space with food, then close the area and contact the local police or Animal Control. If you’re not able to safely restrain the animal, still call the police or Animal Control. If you are able to transport the animal and it was found in an area without Animal Control, contact the local shelter before bringing the animal. Understand the limitations of animal care and control agencies. Before you take an injured animal to a private veterinary hospital for treatment, be willing to assume financial responsibility for the animal before treatment begins.
Appointments are still required to bring in stray animals to Northwoods Humane Society. Call 651-982-0240 to speak with a staff member about bringing the stray. We will assist with local strays as soon as possible if we have room, but please understand that we don’t always have the kennel space to take all strays. Therefore you may be directed to a different facility, or asked to hold onto the animal, if possible, until an appointment is available.
Strays will be referred to the appropriate Animal Control when applicable, as this will give the animal the best chance to be found by their owner. Strays will be accepted by NHS if there is space and there is no agency (Animal Control) that will take the animal. NHS does not pick up stray animals. That function is handled by the appropriate Animal Control Agencies.
When a stray animal arrives at Northwoods Humane Society, the following will occur:
1. The animal is scanned for a microchip. If the animal has a microchip with owner information attached, we will contact them immediately.
2. Per Minnesota law, all stray animals are held for a 5 day stray hold.
3. If the animal isn’t reclaimed by their owner during the stray hold period, the animal will go into Northwoods’ adoption program. The animal will be assessed for adoption and proceed through the process of becoming adoptable (if applicable).
4. If an owner comes forward to reclaim their pet, reclaim fees will apply. These are determined on a daily fee basis, to contribute to the costs of caring for the animal while in our care.