Many people find pets roaming and never give it a second thought. Others find them and immediately think, "This poor creature must need a home, a family and a warm place to stay!" A pet left to roam is not safe. It could become sick or injured, get attacked by indigenous wildlife, or worse! The truth is a domesticated animal (cat or dog) on the loose is likely lost. It may have darted out of a door when the family went out to start the grill for dinner or slid out of an open gate when a child ran to the bus stop. The escaped pet is terribly missed and loved by their family. So what SHOULD you do if you find a pet? Here are some simple steps you can take to help reunite lost pets with their families:

• Bring the pet to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control within 48 hours of finding it to have the pet scanned for a microchip and to file a FOUND report.

If the pet has identification, we can contact the owner and get the pet home right away! If the pet is not wearing identification or the I.D. information is not traceable, you have a few options as the finder.

You may choose to hold the animal in your own home. If no one comes forward to claim the pet within 30 days, you can become the legal owner. You can also choose to leave the pet with Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. This will allow the owner 3-business days to come in and claim their pet.

• (After reporting you found a pet) post the found pet on Lost Cats or Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne on Facebook and other social media to spread the word that you have this pet in your possession or that is has been taken to Fort Wayne Animal Care Control.

Everyone loves their pets and if everyone takes responsibility, our pets can be kept safely at home or returned to home as quickly as possible.